We’ve been waiting to see what acclaimed director Alfonso Cuarón (Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Children of Men) is going to do with his ambitious new sci-fi project Gravity, and now we have some initial opinions from those who have seen the film to share.
Scroll down to hear first impressions of Gravity, which stars Sandra Bullock as the lone survivor of a space mission, who is trying to steer her ship home to Earth, where her daughter awaits.
Here is a spattering of opinions from the test screening of Gravity, either reported by those in attendance, or collected by those who claim to have spoken to or “overheard” the reactions. Taken altogether, they paint the picture of a technically and visually stunning piece of cinema, with a good performance from Bullock (who is mostly onscreen alone) – but a movie that may be more along the indie drama line than some sci-fi expect:
From AICN‘s source:
This is not just next level shit, this is several levels ahead of next level shit, & quite possibly the highest level shit you could possibly make. This is like if Avatar had been released in 1927 a week after The Jazz Singer. People won’t know how to comprehend what they are seeing. In short, Gravity genuinely makes you feel like you have been to space. It really, really does. And guess what? It’s beautiful, and awe-inspiring, and profound (and a little scary too), everything you thought it would be since you first thought about going to space when you were a kid. The movie exploits dreams it knows every sentient being has had, using the best special effects I have personally ever seen. I honestly don’t know how you could enhance a cinematic experience more. I kept waiting for a cameo from the Tupac hologram.
However, some people might end up saying that Gravity ends up being too light on story & is just an expensive space roller coaster ride, ‘Space Mountain: The Movie’ if you will. But those people would be wrong, stupid & ungrateful. Gravity is an important & subtle character study wrapped up in the guise of the most technologically advanced film of the new millennium… To me the film is about apathy and isolation. It’s about people today not knowing why they should be excited about living but only knowing they don’t want to die. It’s about looking at your own insignificance in the universe (or on Earth, or at your job, or at your school, etc.) & becoming empowered by it instead of defeated. And most of all, it’s about seeing what it would be like to float through space like an astronaut (spoiler: it’s fun).
From a source who contacted The Film Experience:
Gravity is Cuarón’s masterpiece. It’s gonna be divided. Half will think it’s a self-indulgent borefest and half will think it’s amazingly brilliant. The movie is 80% just Sandra Bullock!
Bullock will be on her own in Cuarón’s 'Gravity'.
Reactions for two other moviegoers certainly seemed to echo that ‘it will be divisive’ theory:
Briana Hernandez - Worst movie ever! #gravity
David Vendrell - Went to a test-screening for “Gravity” last night…it was far from being done, but it will be a visual feast when it is…and nothing more.
Reports that Bullock will have to hold the screen on her own for most of the movie’s run time – or that Cuarón was planning ambitious technical feats like a 17-minute single-take opening shot - have been upping our enthusiasm for Gravity for some time. In a lot of ways the movie seems to be in the same vein as Danny Boyle’s Sunshine - which was, in itself, a visually-impressive piece of sci-fi psychodrama.
Given the skill Cuarón has shown in his past projects, count us in the camp of those who will be delighted, should the movie live up to the technical praise seen in these early reactions.
We’ll find out for sure when Gravity hits theaters on November 21, 2012.
Source: Twitter, The Film Experience, AICN (hat tip to /Film)
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Sounds intriguing. Plus sitting back and staring at Sandra Bullock for two hours, bonus… i could think of alot worst things to have to be doing.
It reminds on last years “Tree of Life”
Personally i didnt like it. But alot of people called it a masterpiece of cinema. I willing to give it a chance, but i really dont care for Sandra Bullock at all.
Alfonso Cuaron is talented individual and this would be my second most anticipated movie of the year except…Sandra Bullock is in this and i just dont like her. Don’t get me wrong I think she is a great physical comedic actress but she has never been good in ANY dramatic role.
She alone is the only thing stopping me from seeing this in the theater.
However because it us Cuaron and I loved ‘Children of Men’ i might give it a chance.
Critics said the same thing about Tom Hanks at one point. I grow. You grow. Actors grow.
I’m not as critical of Miss Bullock as you but in my opinion Angelina Jolie, the first actress offered the role, would’ve been a better option. Maybe even the actress who was nominated for her work in ”Tree Of Life’, Jessica something, her name eludes me. I’m sure Sandra will give it her all but she isn’t the draw a movie like this deserves, based on these early opinions this movie needs someone who’s performance will transcend the movies visual splendor. I haven’t seen the movie, so i may be premature with my criticism, but I can’t see her owning the screen the way this movie needs her to.
Until we see the movie we’ll just have to wait and see.
I agree with you. I really don’t think she can carry this.
Im really hoping she proves me wrong because i am really looking forward to this movie.
Woohoo! My tweet made this article! Btw, “Children of Men” is one of my top 10 favorite movies of all time. “Gravity” was immsersive, breathtaking, and truly ahead of its time visually. The Cuaron famous roaming shots are spectacular, and his direction and blocking was pretty brilliant. I cannot wait to see it once it is done! But, I came in expecting something as deep, intricately-plotted, and and thematically-rich as “Children of Men”; and that is where the film is sorely lacking. Also, in typical Cuaron fashion, there is hardly any backstory, which doesn’t make you very emotionally involved with Sandra’s character. IMHO at least. It’s a roller-coaster of a movie that I’m sure everyone will enjoy (i did), but I think that is all anyone will be really mentioning when talking about this film. Cannot wait to see what Cuaron does next!
Emanuel Lubezki FTW!!
I can’t wait for this…
Why did Briana Hernandez see “Gravity?’ Sounds like she never gave it a chance, or only wanted to bash it prematurely. What kind of critical review is “worst movie ever?” Ridiculous. I cannot wait to see this film. Sandra Bullock is a bonus. Few actresses can make us want to take care of them, so knowing she is stranded in space seems like an ideal role for her…and those who like her and enjoy her work. Hopefully “Gravity” will win accolades and Oscar nominations all the way around.
Wish I could upvote you right now….Screenrant needs to start doing that
Interesting, I’ve not even heard of this flick. But Bullock pulling off a science fiction movie? Hmmmm…..dunno about that.
hmm.. something rings familiar to me about this and Planet Pirates by Anne MacCaffrey.. yes I spelled her name wrong I think.
You could tell me Cuaron made a movie about flies on s*** starring Carrot Top and I would see it. A space drama with Bullock? Yes please!
You could tell me Cuaron made a movie about flies eating feces starring Carrot Top and I would see it. A space drama with Bullock? Yes please!
lol stupid site told me my post failed so I edited. Moderator clean this up so I don’t look so foolish. Thankee.
That’s a lot of poo you’ll be watching
Probably explains why there were so many casting changes – weak story tends to do that…Visual feast, nevertheless
I already know where this is going to get back to earth they have to go deeper into space…hmmm got it all figured out. I’ll definitely have to see it to see if my assumption is correct.
November 2012?
This is being released October 2013.
Matt,
Sorry but take some good advice and pull back from wanting to be first to think you’ve figured out the mysteries of life are you’re going to miss all the fun in life. Wisdom is found in the backdrop of the quiet trees. You are young so have the benefit of learning early if you choose. Wanting to prove your right and first even with a silly movie blog will prevent you from being “right” in life. I only say out of love for your passion!
Has it occurred to anyone besides me that Bullock and Clooney are both perhaps a bit too old to believably portray astronauts?