Estimated read time: 3-4 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
SPACE — Off the top of my head, I can only think of a handful of films I’ve recommended as a must-see-on-the-big-screen experience. With big-budget CG becoming commonplace in Hollywood and home theater components more accessible than ever been before, in most cases, I don’t believe where you see a film effects what you think of a film.
But “Gravity” absolutely defies my casual belief. In fact, I’d go as far as to say the way you choose to experience “Gravity” will be the most important element when it comes to your final feelings on the film.
Here are three reasons why I believe you need to see this on the biggest screen you can find and pay extra for the 3D glasses.
Your eyes’ happiness depends on it
Director Alfonso Cuarón sets up an incredibly ambitious opening shot that lays the ground rules for the 90 minutes of adventure on which you’re about to embark. It establishes pace, characters, intent, death, setting, resources, objective and conflict, and it does so while every eyeball in the theater screams out “Weeeeeeeee!”
“Gravity” represents a realism and wonderment that will make every previous space-flick director jealous, and while there are certainly better space films out in the cinematic archives, Cuarón gets the award for finally nailing the visuals.
It’s like you’re there
At times, “Gravity” feels like an amusement park ride. I’ve always seen those special, more expensive, vibrating surround sound theater seats as hyper-gimmicky, but I don’t know, maybe “Gravity” offers them credibility.
I’m sure it could be argued that Cuarón is gluttonous when it comes to long, extended shots, but in space they work — every one of them. Without crossing the line of experimental, Cuarón is able to make “Gravity” feel like it’s being told in second person, and while that may sound like a bad thing, it’s a very successful tool in zero gravity.
We need to send a message
The hackneyed lament of, “Why doesn’t Hollywood come up with an original idea?” is pretty muffled when sequels and existing properties are generating all the revenue. It might be hyperbole to say “Gravity” is like nothing you’ve ever seen before, but it is definitely unique and it’s a project investors will be watching closely.
Currently, “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2” is leading in box office returns. We can do something about that can’t we?
Conclusion
Look, this isn’t a perfect film. Some of the dialogue will make you roll your eyes and there’s no question Cuarón tried to pack in character development the same way I try to get my running shoes in an already full suitcase five minutes before I leave to the airport.
But strangely, it doesn’t matter. “Gravity” is a movie that let’s you ask every step of the way, “What would I do in this situation?” And in that way, Sandra Bullock and George Clooney are more like tour guides in a choose-your-own-adventure book, only, they make all the choices for you, but that’s OK because they string together a pretty amazing ride.
“Gravity” may not be the best film of the year, but it may actually be the most interesting, and it’s definitely one you’ll be talking about long after you leave the theater. Travis has been covering movie news and film reviews for Deseret News and KSL.com since 2010, and continues to contribute coverage for film festivals and other live events in Utah. You can contact Travis at tspoppleton@gmail.com.
