Sandra Bullock has boldly gone where no actor has gone before in her new film, “Gravity,” which transports viewers to outer space and utilizes new filming technology.
They say that in space no one can hear you scream. But fans are certainly screaming about the film, which last weekend grossed $55.6 million, a new October record for an opening weekend, according to Entertainment Weekly. The critics are chiming in positively, too. But was I a fan of the No. 1 movie in America?
In “Gravity,” directed by Oscar nominee Alfonso Cuaron, Bullock is Dr. Ryan Stone, a brilliant medical engineer on her first shuttle mission. Along with her on a routine spacewalk is veteran astronaut Matt Kowalsky (George Clooney). When disaster strikes, their shuttle is destroyed, leaving Stone and Kowalsky alone and in peril.
I’ve got to tell you that this film is not intended as science fiction. Instead, it aims to put you into the shoes of Bullock as she fights to stay alive in a fairly plausible scenario.
Not only is Bulloch’s acting top-notch, but her physicality in this film is applause-worthy. Clooney basically plays himself — happy-go-lucky. Bullock balances him well and probably will be remembered during Oscar season because of the zero-gravity rig she was strapped inside for hours on end. The complicated contraption was invented by filmmakers just for this film.
Don’t forget that Bullock had to carry this film on her own for much of the movie’s running time. She’s No. 1 this week and I’m impressed. I wouldn’t have minded if the film were just a tad longer however. Just my two cents.
All in all … I’m a fan!