'Gravity,' the 3D space spectacle
- By Zhang Rui
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E-mail China.org.cn, November 22, 2013
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Alfonso Cuaron promotes his new film "Gravity" in Beijing. [QQ.com] |
Hundreds of 3D-feature films are produced every year, yet only a few worth the ticket price. Alfonso Cuaron's "Gravity" is one of them.
Technically speaking, it's a nearly perfect 3D-experience for the audience, especially when seen on the huge IMAX screen. While IMAX attaches its slogan "Watch a movie or be part of one" to its intro before every movie, "Gravity" really hits the mark.
As the objects and astronauts move around, audiences can see and feel the motion and infinite beauty of both the Earth and the galaxy. Just as Cuaron's widely applauded long-take shooting technique used in "Children of Men," "Gravity" also has numerous unforgettable long takes and begins with a mesmerizing 17-minute-long shot. It's an immersive experience -- as if you are one of astronauts. "Gravity" clearly borrowed the best bits from "Hubble 3D" and really tells you what the future may hold for 3D movie making.
In "Gravity," Dr. Ryan Stone, played by Sandra Bullock, is in outer space working alongside veteran astronaut Matt Kowalski, played by George Clooney. However, their mission turns disastrous when Russia shoots down its satellite, leading to an explosion which creates a cloud of space debris near the astronauts’ craft and forces them to find their lonesome way back home.
The film carries a simple storyline, but you cannot take your eyes off the screen for one second once the film enters its heart-rending pace.
It's another "Cast Away" one-man-show, yet in an outer space setting. While Clooney charms, Dr. Stone's struggle to survive is much more amazing and Bullock presents one of her best performances for masterfully portraying the strength, courage, fear and complicated inner raw emotion of the female astronaut. Putting aside the state-of-art techniques, this documentary-styled adventure is an art-house film at its core and manages to capture people's hearts. It is a truly inspiring watch for anyone who finds themselves living in despair.
For the Chinese market, the Tiangong space station, which plays a pivotal role in "Gravity," garnered huge interest. On the minor downside, the details featured inside China's space lab module are not exactly accurate, as the director co-wrote the script with his son five years ago -- when China's Tiangong-1 had yet to be launched. Yet on the other hand, it's very interesting to see how Cuaron's imagination floats.
"Gravity" is a visual spectacle with heart and should not be missed out on in cinemas this year. It is not just a movie; it’s an all-encompassing experience. It makes us not only be in awe of modern man-made technology, but also fuels our admiration for the immensity of universe and nature.
