Movies: Gravity

(Drivebycuriosity) -  Floating through outer space is an old human dream. In the year 1961 the Russian cosmonaut (astronaut) Yuri Gagarin realized this idea as the first human. Since then we have learned a lot about the beauty of space travel but also about its perils. The movie "Gravity" might be the first film that lets us experience awe and horror of space travel while sitting in a cinema theater (imdb).

The debris of a Russian satellite, which is now circling around the earth, destroys an American space station and endangers the life of the astronauts who are working there. This starts a chain reaction with disastrous consequences. 

Director Alfonso Cuarón, who also was co-writer, co-producer and editor of "Gravity", shows what modern cinema is capable to. The audience gets sucked into a cinematic maelstrom thanks to cutting-edge special effects and advanced 3D techniques.

I indulged the sheer beauty of the earth seen from space, enjoyed watching sunrises and sunsets and the gorgeous stars and relished the almost realistic impression of weightless floating, the absence of gravity. But I also shared the claustrophobic horror caused by the catastrophe in the vacuum of outer space. Some scenes are somewhat funny when things are floating around you - thanks to the gorgeous 3d-effects, other scenes convey a kind of meditation.

Even that "Gravity" stars Sandra Bullock and George Clooney, the film is almost an one woman movie. Most of the time the audience follows magnetized Sandra Bullock who's character reminds me strongly of Sigourney Weaver in Alien. The role also brings Tom Hanks performance in "Cast Away" to my mind. The actress did a brilliant performance which animated the audience to sympathize with her character. He appearance was very convincing and gave the film sometimes an erotical note.

"Gravity" is a must see and a strong contender for at least 2 or 3  Oscars.