Everything about the way Gravity tells it's story feels effortless. It's so well conceived, you'll likely forget that you're watching a movie, and find yourself swept away amongst the action. One the reasons for this is the way Alfonso stages his shots. The very first scene is a near eleven minute uncut shot that weaves in, out, and around the astronauts as they work on a satellite. Swaying back and forth giving us glimpses of both the Earth and deep space, it helps to effectively convey just how wide open space is, and sets up the dread an hopelessness needed to make the following acts all the more thrilling.
Sandra Bullock and George Clooney are good as the main actors. Both characters are relatively dry, which makes sense considering the type of person you'd expect to become an astronaut. As good as they are, though, this film isn't about actors. They could have been replaced by two no names, and I think Gravity would still resonate with audiences.
I've heard some folks talk about the various scientific inaccuracies of Gravity, and while those might be true, as a lay man with no knowledge of said science, overlooking them isn't even a challenge. Given everything that this film manages to accomplish, holding its feet to the fire for this or that certainly seems unfair. I don't know that making sure every element of the film is scientifically accurate would do anything to enhance the awesomeness that is Gravity.
Already loving Children of Men, after seeing Gravity, it's hard not to be super excited to see what Cuaron does next. Rest assured, I'll be the first I line.
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