It was a basic, high concept: throw a couple of stars in space, introduce them to peril and watch in hope that they will overcome adversity and make it back to earth, and in the skilful hands of director Alfonso Cuaron the idea became tantalising. But despite the masterful execution, dramatic visuals, unique sound design and incredible editing, Gravity is a masterpiece in technical engineering alone and has surprisingly hollow characterisation and a weak narrative.
Sandra Bullock and George Clooney, as astronauts Ryan Stone and Matt Kowalski, deliver dreary performances that are, like the film itself, preoccupied with nailing the technicalities of their characters’ profession instead of convincingly presenting roles rich with inner conflicts. Stone (Bullock) is a rookie astronaut, unenthusiastic about life, which often lessens the need to care about her during moments of peril despite her issues. Meanwhile Kowalksi, the veteran floater, nonchalantly drifts about smirking while all hell breaks loose around him. Kowalksi recounts jovial moments from his life to ground control but there is little depth to suggest repression.
While director Cuaron expertly conveys suspense in well choreographed sequences that are rife with realism, they serve as fleeting punctuation points between bland dialogue and character unravelling where effective drama between the protagonists would have added to the rising tension. Religious undertones are woven into a subtext about facing inner demons and overcoming grief, which is textbook character padding and far from the required complexities that would make Gravity a masterpiece.
Another interesting factor is the 3D. Despite claims that it’s revolutionary there appeared to be even more ghosting due to the black space backdrop. Disregarding the flaws, it is impossible not to marvel at the astounding effects sequences which alone make Gravity worth seeing, but not necessarily on the big screen. Alfonso’s skilful depiction of the catastrophes, covering every minute procedural nuance, is exceptional and may grant him an Oscar nomination, but the lack of interesting characters, decent performances or narrative drive make it far from the masterpiece the world is suggesting.
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