Second Take: Gravity

Posted by Eric Paolini

Sometimes a second look at a film, after you get some distance, is what it takes to properly evaluate a film. 

Approximately a year ago, the trailer for Alfoso Cuaron's Gravity hit the internet. Simply put, the trailer is fantastic. It's short and moody and one of the best trailers I've ever seen. The phenomenal trailer, combined with who was at the helm, expectations couldn't have been higher for me.

Unfortunately, I couldn't help but be utterly disappointed walking out of the theater last October. Oh, those characters! The quippy Matt Kowalksi and the hyperventilating Dr. Ryan Stone are a dreadful pair. Bullock's acting, while at times impressive, is taken down by her nominal character. 

The character deficiencies are only more apparent on the second viewing. While breathtakingly beautiful, the visuals on the smaller screen are just not enough to compensate. A subpar character can be somewhat forgiven if they're in an ensemble cast or mixed into the background, but Bullock and Clooney are it. We experience everything through them. They are the gatekeepers to space, and while space is gorgeous, it's not worth it. 

Gravity could very possibly go down as Cuaron's defining film. His obituary --which hopefully won't be for a very long time -- could be the first film listed. It's a shame. Y Tu Mama Tambien and Children of Men are far finer films, but the massive box office success and technological achievement led Gravity to a Best Picture nomination and a win for Best Director, both unworthy honors, especially the Best Picture nomination. 

Watching Gravity for a second time, I couldn't help but be impressed with the first act, even knowing where it was headed. The characters are handled clumsily from the very beginning, but the events leading to the disaster, and what happens right after, are impressive. The camera glides about and is punctuated by a stunning score from Steven Price. 

Unfortunately, the film moves forward continually confronting and succeeding past a wide scope of danger. More importantly, it's still disappointing. A second viewing, removed from the passionate moviegoing audiences of its theatrical run and removed from the numerous awards, doesn't decrease the disappointment for me. Ultimately, there's an overall decent enough movie, but I'll never forgive it for not reaching greatness. Unfair, I know. But I can't help it.