Gravity (2013)

"I hate space!" Dr. Ryan Stone

I have a massive issue with 3D effects that have been added just for the sake of throwing objects at the audience. I know It was only three times throughout the film, however I had to have my eyes closed for about a minute each time. I’m not quick to forgive. I also experienced slight pain from the loudness at the very beginning. I understand why they did it. I understand it all. I understand that this is a beautiful and brilliantly made film and I get all of the not-so-subtle rebirth metaphors. I just think that I would have been able to enjoy all of these aspects so much more had I not seen this film in 3D.
That being said, this film showcases cinema and what it can do. It is beautiful and, honestly, it was meant to be seen on the big screen. It's the kind of film that has a beautiful message that you can always extract regardless of your viewing nature (cinema, tv, computer, airplane, etc.) however it'll never quite look the same as it did when it was 50 ft high. It is so crisp and has beautiful contrast. The acting is also incredible. It takes a lot of skill to be the only character on screen for 75% of a film and be believable the entire time. This film does something else spectacular, it gives the idea of space some real gravitas (pun intended). It shows both the beauty and the danger of space. It shows how far and how near it is to us on Earth. It makes it seem so real even though it's still so foreign. One of my favorite aspects of the film is the misdirection. It makes you think that something will become a problem when it is actually quite small and insignificant. It's a nice subtle way of telling the audience that small problems are small and not what you should be focusing on.

Rank: 81
Would likely move up upon rewatch outside of a cinema.