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| Bullock at her finest. |
Directed by Alfonso Cuarón
Produced by Alfonso Cuarón and David Heyman
Written by Alfonso Cuarón and Jonás Cuarón
Starring Sandra Bullock and George Clooney
****
After a seven-year hiatus from feature films, Alfonso Cuarón has delivered another excellent film. Sandra Bullock stars as Dr. Ryan Stone, an engineer on her first mission in space. Her main assistant is Matthew Kowalski (Clooney), a seasoned astronaut. When an assemblage of shrapnel hits their work site, Ryan is sent hurling into open space and on a life-changing emotional journey. This tease is more than enough detail, as the film is best experienced without too much information.
If you've read the glowing reviews, I've really nothing else to add. Cuarón's direction of this outstanding cinematic experience is so focused that he does wonders with a thin screenplay. A big part of this film's success is the visuals, which are spectacular. While Emmanuel Lubezki's cinematography is aided by visual effects, the two are blended so well that both areas deserve special mention. The acting is equally impressive. Bullock gives a phenomenal performance brimming with vulnerability and strength. Clooney also turns in a fine performance, adding a little something else to this masterful film. All of these elements are made even better by the beautiful score, wonderful production design, seamless editing, and exceptional sound design. If a film were to sweep through the upcoming awards season, I would be overjoyed to see this one do it.
Oscar Potential: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Original Screenplay, Best Production Design, Best Cinematography, Best Film Editing, Best Original Score, Best Sound Mixing, Best Sound Editing, Best Visual Effects
THIS WAS EPIC! Seriously, Oscars for everyone, except Clooney, who really didn't do much but crack a few jokes and tell Bullock to calm down...but Bullock was BRILLIANT, and I really never thought I'd say that about her.
ReplyDeleteYeah, Clooney is nowhere near my Supporting lineup, but I do think he gives a good performance. Though I don't see him getting nominated, he could be swept in if the Academy *really* loves the film. If Bullock wins a second Oscar, I won't complain.
DeleteCan't say I loved it. However, I did appreciate all that Cuaron put up on the screen and how much effort seemed involved. With that idea in my mind, I got past all of the problems with its script. Nice review Josh.
ReplyDeleteThanks Dan. Yeah, the script was my biggest issue, not unlike Cuaron's version of Great Expectations.
DeleteThis is the one to root for at the Oscar next year for me. Alfonso Cuarón is definitely a 'quality over quantity' kind of director, good for him! Glad you love this one too Josh!
ReplyDeleteI want to root for it, but we still have a lot of films to see this year! Hopefully, this will remain my faovrite of the year, but I could see myself rooting for 12 Years a Slave at the Oscars instead.
DeleteI really cannot wait to see this one. Looks like something that may top my end of the year list!
ReplyDeleteHope you love it!
DeleteI'm really hoping for a Best Cinematography win here. I mean... come on.
ReplyDeleteI know some have an issue with it being heavy on visual effects, but I just want Lubezki to finally win one.
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