Matthew Schulte | Staff Writer ‘15

After a two year hiatus, director Alfonso Cuaron is back and better than ever, with his latest and possibly greatest  film “Gravity.”

“Gravity” is an all out suspense/thriller set in space, which Cuaron spared no expense for, as it had a whopping budget of $100 million. In the long run, the exorbitant price paid off, as it is one of the most visually appealing movies to date. Legendary cinematographer Emmanuel Luzbeki used extremely long takes and point-of-view shots to give the beauty of space a daunting feeling. It adds to the suspense and tension conveyed by the actors Sandra Bullock and George Clooney.

That being said, I highly recommend viewing this film in 3D or IMAX. The experience is second to none.  As I watched, knuckles white, internal organs violently vibrating from the immense sound system, I found myself awestruck and obsessed with the story line.

Like a domino effect, the mission of astronauts Ryan Stone (Bullock) and Matt Kowalski (Clooney) is a series of unfortunate events. Scene after scene the challenges Stone and Kowalski face become mountainous, as satellites collide, fires break out and rockets become defective.

Contrary to the popular belief, when viewing the film, one is not simply watching Bullock and Clooney float aimlessly through space. In fact, it is the exact opposite. There was no point in the film lacking action. Every scene packed into the 90 minute movie sent me on an intense, sweaty emotional ride. It was truly painful to watch (in a good way).

Adding to the storyline, the acting was superb. Bullock and Clooney  played their parts perfectly, making every line meaningful, displaying realistic tensions and most importantly, mixing in witty remarks into seemingly hopeless situations.

 The script itself had very little dialogue, which meant much of the movie had to be told via movements and expressions. I find that the lack of dialogue added to the film’s suspense and solidified the fact that “in space, no one can hear your scream.” However, I do feel that some of the scenes and religious undertones that were shown throughout the film seemed a bit forced, but at no point was it ever uncomfortable.

In the end, I would highly recommend Gravity to those who enjoy films such as “2001: A Space Odyssey” and “Avatar.” The intense action and suspenseful plot combined with incredible visuals and effects makes Gravity a film to remember and certainly gives it an edge as a top contender for Best Cinematography at the Academy Awards.

Grade: A