The visuals of the earth from outer space are an absolute
delight! In the midst of the space disaster our blue orb of life, so lovingly held
within the wooly white whirl of clouds, appeared a haven of comfort and
joy. I am sure that at various moments
during the movie the audience felt immense pride for this planet we so often casually
refer to as ‘mother earth’. The deeper
significance of the term is definitely better understood once you see this
movie.
I am told that
several Hollywood actors were considered for the two lead roles in the movie,
but Mr. Cuaron’s final choice was just perfect. Ms. Bullock as the cold but
remarkable scientist is simply unparalleled. The investors must have had
enormous faith in Ms. Bullock acting prowess and her ability to draw in the
crowds since there is little else in the movie besides her, a couple of damaged
space stations and a vast empty space. To add to that, there isn’t much speaking
either, and whatever little there is, is Ms. Bullock speaking to herself; yet, that
does not take away from the rapture of the movie, if anything it enhances the
thrill. George Clooney as Ms. Bullock's co- star does
his bit, but does not get a chance to show his caliber for reasons I can’t give
away.
The movie highlights some very socially relevant issues that
we seldom like to address. For instance,
the space debris build up that nobody talks about, but which may one day become
as big of a problem as a polluted earth is today. Then, the movie also prods
you to think of the existential question of what it means to be alive, and the
responsibilities that come with it, and the next thing you know is the audience
begins to introspects and ponders on its raison-d’etres. Now, can a movie do
more?
