The Color of Film Collaborative
Alfonso Cuaron’s “Gravity” is the type of film that would serve more purpose hanging from a nail on someones living room wall as a valuable piece of art than in theaters. The 3D feature offers very little to audience members outside of its stunning atmospheric appeal.
Starring the infamously talented George Clooney and Sandra Bullock it was projected that “Gravity” would surpass the thunderous success of other famed space films like Ron Howard’s “Apollo 13.” However, in order to compete with giant pictures of the cinematic world the existence of an interesting plot is necessary.
Dr. Ryan Stone (Bullock), accompanied by veteran astronaut Mark Kowalsky (Clooney) are performing maintenance on some of NASA’s technologies in space when debris from a damaged satellite crashes down on their position. Now, with their space shuttle critically damaged an oxygen levels bordering low, the team is stranded in space and must find their own way home.
On paper the events described seem to make for a riveting film; in actuality, quite the opposite happens.
As the film progresses Bullock and Clooney take on roles similar to that of Will Smith in “I am Legend” as actors on a set consumed by isolation. As events continue to push the emotion of solitude on the films characters, the picture becomes more uncomfortable to watch than Oscar speeches given by anxious recipients with stage fright. Being actors that typically thrive on a set where numerous characters are present and dialogue is constantly being exchanged, the duo fit with the film as well as a square fits into a circle-not very well.
Apart from the pictures spectacular computer generated setting of space “Gravity” is not much of a film, sporting a plot that is uneventfully drab and a cast that was not fit for the part. Contrary to popular belief, if you see this film under the pretense that it is “the number one movie in America” you will be highly disappointed and would make better use of your money by visiting a museum with brilliant images that stand on the same pedestal as those found in the film.
-Stephen Simmons-
In collaboration with The Haley House Bakery Café, the Color of Film Collaborative presents our ongoing film series, featuring independent cinema and delicious food. 
December 13th, 2013at 2:56 pm(#)
I couldn’t agree with you more. I felt like I was in an episode of the TWILIGHT ZONE when people were raving about this film and talking about it sweeping the Oscars—what?!? I had trouble staying awake. I didn’t care about the characters or their situation. Yes, it was visually stunning, but I can see that on PBS or the Science Channel. I felt this film was dull, dull, dull. Weird that it continues to be a hit. Generally, I am a scifi fan, at I thought I was, who knows? I wasn’t impressed with the “heavy breathing” trailers and the film didn’t add anything. Oh, well, can’t love them all.