Gravity (2013)A masterpiece that allows the viewer to become immersed within the scene to often thrilling effect, Gravity left the Oscars with 7 Academy Awards to its name, and it deserved each and every one of them

Plot SummaryThe crew of the Space Shuttle Explorer is working on the STS-157 mission. Mission Commander Matt Kowalski, medical engineer Dr. Ryan Stone - who is on her first ever space mission - and flight engineer Shariff Dasari are on a space walk when they learn from Houston control that an explosion has just occurred at a Russian satellite. Before the crew can do anything about it, the explosion debris comes hurtling toward Explorer, irreparably damaging the shuttle and station, immediately killing all the crew except Kowalski and Stone, and knocking out at least incoming communication with Houston control, although they have no idea if there is outgoing communication. The two are left in a precarious position as Stone is untethered with quickly decreasing oxygen on her person meaning that Kowalski has to retrieve her quickly if she has any chance of survival. Even if he can retrieve her and get her some oxygen, they have the difficult task of trying to get to another satellite with whatever equipment is on hand, and from there ultimately back to Earth. Through the process, they are often on their own without the other leading to an extreme feeling of isolation which leads to individual questions and ultimate decisions about their own mortality and what may be best for the other at the expense of oneself.

Main Characters-Sandra Bullock as Dr. Ryan Stone-George Clooney as Matt Kowalski-Ed Harris as Mission Control (voice)

Review:Two astronauts floating in space - how could that possibly be a concept for one of the most riveting films I have ever seen, and be deserving of the adjectives mentioned in this review's title? And yet Gravity is without doubt one of the most absorbing, don't-look-away-can't-look-away films I've seen for a long time. There are some films (good, entertaining films) that you just watch. Then there are those rare films which have the power to draw you in and make you forget you are WATCHING. Instead, you are EXPERIENCING. That's Gravity. Apart from the astonishing, beautiful and epic scale of the film, with directorial and photographic moments reminiscent of David Lean and Stanley Kubrick, the original script will keep you guessing all the way to the final frame of film. Both actors give solid, convincing performances, but Sandra Bullock has finally been given a part capable of revealing her real talent. Her character has real depth, and (by some truly brilliant directorial techniques), you become completely empathic with her... and when a space film gets the seal of authenticity from ISS astronauts and NASA, it can't be THAT bad!

Institution:Estimated budget: $100MMGross profits: $716MM

Written by: Alfonso and Jonás CuarónProduced by: Unisversal, then Warner BrosVisual effects: FramestoreMusical score: Steven PriceLocation of production: UK

Codes and ConventionsSome of the C&C used in the film include:o Space and spaceshipso A theme of survivalo The astronauts vs SpaceTarget Audience:The target audience for Gravity was primarily adults with an interest in space and/or the unknown. It also attracted many more due to George Clooney and Sandra Bullock lending their names to the motion picture.

Representation:o Sandra Bullock’s posture and behaviour

throughout the movie shows that she is growing as a person and is aging mentally. She is therefore represented as a strong person with the ability to adapt

o George Clooney’s character is, in my opinion, representing Sandra Bullock’s guardian angel due to the fact that he gives up his life in order to save hers.

oSpace is representing the unknown; their fear of space connotes to their fear of not knowing what will happen to them. And it can also be seen as a representation of life (despite being lifeless); it is throwing everything it has at them but they must try and survive against all odds.

Film Posters for Gravity

Awardso7 Academy Awards

(including Best Visual Effects)

oA Golden Globe (Best Director)

o6 BAFTAs (including Best British Film)

oA 3D Creative Arts Awards (Best 3D Film)