On a Rare Cinematic Experience with Gravity

Avatar (2009) could never claim to be a fantastic piece of narrative cinema, but it could lay claim to making the best use of 3D. It can no longer claim the latter as Alfonso Cuaron’s Gravity is the most beautifully realised use of the technology to date. It may seem something of an oxymoron, but the detailed sparseness of his mise-en-scene benefits the technology. The hectic, filled to the edges Marvel films, which seem to be the most common use of 3D are almost impossible to follow. Their mise-en-scene is confusing enough without adding poorly realised and out of focus 3D. By using space as the setting, Gravity is built for 3D and the technology enhances the film, rather than being an excuse for earning enhanced ticket sales. Additionally, this will be a perfect IMAX experience for the same reasons and therefore satisfy the two growing technologies, competing for cinema’s attentions.

More than just a beautiful film (Cuaron knows enough to linger on the stunning shots of Earth’s orbit) Gravity is a cinematic experience that goes beyond all the superlatives that are thrown its way. Yet, terrifying and heartbreaking seem appropriate and Gravity often achieves them at the same time. The characters may be thinly drawn, but the weight brought those characters by Sandra Bullock and George Clooney makes them believable and engaging. Additionally, the script worked on by Cuaron and his son Jonas adds to the feeling of authenticity, as does the detail in the setting, costumes and the entire mise-en-scene. Cuaron said that after the film’s release, he wanted NASA to call up and enquire as to how a camera was placed on their space station. Cuaron has the advantage that few in his audience will have been to space, but from a layman perspective the level of detail is astonishing.

Despite the incredible visuals and cathartic experience, Gravity has depth in its narrative. Whether you see it is allegorical of loss and rebirth or a commentary on a reliance on technology, there is depth beneath the glossy surface. The acting, the script, the detail and the special effects all contribute towards this piece of stunning entertainment. Gravity is impossible to look away from and in this way it is a rare cinematic experience.