Although the film is 90 minutes long, from beginning to end, Tony Cross didn't feel bored for even a moment. In fact, when the movie ended, he wished there were more he didn't want it to be over!
Seated was a young man who neither understood nor had any interest in analyzing the meaning behind films. He simply felt that this was one of the best movie experiences of the year. The special effects in this film gave him a sudden revelation that the highest level of special effects is when you can't even tell they're special effects.
"I really thought everything happened in space. It felt so real."
"I felt like it was all special effects yet almost no special effects that's the pinnacle of special effects."
As the theater emptied, Tony Cross heard these two comments, which perfectly echoed his own thoughts. If the speakers hadn't walked away so quickly, he might have gone over to chat with them.
In another IMAX theater, Kathleen Kennedy stood up with everyone else and clapped her hands. Gravity had delivered a fully immersive experience of being in space through outstanding 3D effects, audiovisual techniques, and cinematography.
From its extraordinary special effects, it was a typical Duke Rosenberg film but in another way, it wasn't typical of Duke Rosenberg at all.
Kathleen Kennedy was absolutely sure of that, and believed many others would feel the same.
The film's high-level transitions in camera perspective had reached a masterful level. This wasn't Duke Rosenberg's usual style, but his use of long takes was just as stunning as rapid, fierce editing.
Especially the opening long take, which left an unforgettable impression on her from the vast and silent outer space, to the distant shuttle, fuselage, and equipment, then to the astronauts, and finally focusing in on a single screw instantly pulling viewers into a dazzling, breathtaking cosmic world, unbelievably realistic.
Not far from Kathleen Kennedy, Sarah was also clapping enthusiastically. The film didn't have a complicated plot. Besides a minimalist cast, the storyline was also relatively simple so simple it could be summed up in a single sentence: a female astronaut overcomes all obstacles to return to Earth.
But this simplicity was truly elegant rather than basic.
Only after watching the film did she fully realize that while adjusting her posture in the comfy cinema seat, the dramatic surges on the screen made her unconsciously sit up straight, just to ease her already tense breathing rhythm.
What made Gravity so exceptional was that it used a very small cast and a highly gripping dramatic rhythm to tell a seemingly simple story.
Thinking back, during the screening, she found it almost impossible not to immerse herself into the film, projecting herself onto the protagonist Scarlett Johansson. Then, floating like her in space, she experienced the same moments of suspense like when her oxygen level was dropping feeling her own breath quicken and heart race.
Even the best movies eventually end. Sarah left the theater along with the crowd. As she passed by the entrance, she noticed Frank Pierson being interviewed. Her interest piqued, she quietly stayed nearby to hear what this conservative Academy figure thought of Duke Rosenberg's latest film.
"The majestic beauty is the brightest undertone of this solitary adventure. The portrayal of humanity's smallness and loneliness in space didn't reduce the space and Earth's beauty to hollow, bland postcard imagery."
The old-school figure seemed to truly admire the film. "What stood out most was the classic narrative. It seamlessly connected every plot point. The film's visual effects and cinematography, like those classic storytelling examples, made it nearly impossible to detect any editing cuts. Exaggerating a bit, it felt like we watched a single continuous 90-minute shot unfold the protagonist's adventure."
He emphasized, "I believe Duke Rosenberg has made significant progress with this film. He's truly returning to the right path of filmmaking."
Hearing this, Sarah, who knew Duke quite well, couldn't help but roll her eyes. This film was just an exception. A movie with this many long takes would probably never be made by Duke Rosenberg again.
As if rejoicing in those who've strayed being brought back to the right path, Frank Pierson praised another "returnee." "Scarlett Johansson delivered the best performance of her career perhaps even the only suitable actress for such an impossible role. Her acting is pure art. She makes highly rehearsed and meticulously designed scenes feel completely improvised. Almost no one can do that. I think people in Hollywood should understand that is what acting mastery looks like."
Was he trying to send a message? Sarah couldn't be sure. The only thing she was certain of was that Frank Pierson might've been swayed by publicity efforts and seemed ready to support Scarlett Johansson.
After Frank Pierson left, Sarah didn't leave right away. Gravity would undoubtedly become the entertainment media's focus for the next few days. She wanted to hear more reactions.
The TV station reporter conducting the interviews didn't continue with professionals. Instead, they approached regular audience members.
One fan, stopped by the reporter, seemed eager to share his thoughts.
"A director like Duke Rosenberg is exactly the kind of filmmaker I consider the best technically masterful and with profound storytelling."
Standing in front of the camera and facing the microphone, he was practically gesturing wildly as he spoke. "Watching this in the IMAX hall left me stunned. I found that ultimate movie-watching experience again. Every frame left me breathless. Every second gripped me."
He exaggeratedly shrugged and continued, "Of course, the story is incredibly simple. What I didn't expect was just how simple it really was. Sci-fi films often run over two hours, but this one was only 90 minutes. I was confused at first, until the end. Then I realized it really didn't need anything more."
The man was extremely talkative and wouldn't stop, like he could go on forever. "From the moment Scarlett Johansson's oxygen started running low, I was tense the whole time. What would she do? Was there any oxygen left? Could she catch the spacecraft? Maybe that's the magic of cinema constantly making us care about the fate of the protagonist! I never noticed Scarlett Johansson was this good of an actress before."
The reporter across from him was already giving him a look. The guy finally got the hint. "Okay, not much else to say. It's an excellent film simple, profound, and beautiful."
After seeing the TV reporter move on to interview someone else, Sarah also left the theater. Returning to her car in the parking lot, she didn't start it right away. Instead, she took out her phone and quickly tapped out a tweet and an instant share.
"Just watched Duke Rosenberg's new film Gravity. The 3D space visuals are so beautiful it makes you want to cry."
"If you expect the same viewing experience on your home setup, that's pure fantasy. The 3D effects of Gravity are off the charts. When the space debris comes flying at you, your hand reflexively tries to block it, and your eyes instinctively dodge. When the female lead, Scarlett Johansson, sheds tears in despair, the effect far surpasses that droplet in Avatar that floated in front of the protagonist just to emphasize the 3D space. And when Clooney listens to music while strolling through space, you feel as if you're floating alongside him, soaking in the beauty. Looking down at Earth from space the rivers, the land, the sunrise, the scenery each element becomes a vivid individual. The cosmic spectacle is so realistic and extreme, it's beautiful to the point of tears!"
After posting, Sarah scrolled through Instant Share. Although only fifty theaters across the U.S. were showing the preview screening, quite a few had already shared related impressions.
"When exploring the vast universe outside her helmet from Scarlett Johansson's point of view, you'll find yourself struggling to breathe along with her."
"You'll feel like you're really in space dizzy, tense, terrified, breathless, thrilled, shocked, weak in the knees."
"Gravity is just all-around amazing. The goosebumps I got earlier this year watching Avatar are back again."
Nowadays is the internet era even traditional media outlets now have online editions. While Sarah was driving back to the newsroom, some faster-reacting outlets had already published related reviews on their web platforms.
Variety was quick to respond.
"Gravity is not a traditional sci-fi film. It is filled with tension and surprising turns. Duke Rosenberg has crafted the most realistic and beautiful space movie to date. No aliens, no interstellar battles, no dystopian plots just a man and a woman dealing with problems in the most adverse environment. Yet that's enough to make for a tightly packed 90 minutes. Additionally, the excellent 3D technology combined with the audiovisual shock of IMAX makes Gravity a model for commercial films worldwide!"
Yahoo Entertainment wasn't slow either.
"I was stunned. Blown away. I think this is the best space-themed film in history. It's been a long time since I've seen something like this. Duke Rosenberg and Scarlett Johansson have teamed up to deliver a story about a woman fighting for her life in zero gravity. It's told so masterfully that you can't find the words to describe it."
By contrast, The Hollywood Reporter, which holds more weight within the industry, took a more measured stance.
"Though the film is more realistic and lacks fantastical elements, it's not all that different from previous 3D and visual effects blockbusters like Avatar. Relying on the latest digital technology, Gravity delivers a dreamlike experience. It's a film that brings viewers into a white-hot state of emotion. Whether you're a filmmaker or an audience member, this film will inspire you."