I don’t talk a lot about movies on here, but today I saw Gravity with Sandra Bullock and George Clooney. This movie is unlike anything I’ve ever seen, and I’m not just talking about Bullock floating hopelessly through space, utterly alone and free falling. That in itself was astonishing, and I think this movie came as close to capturing the sheer immenseness of space and how unpredictable it can be. Very few movies literally have me on the edge of my seat, and this was one. Not to mention Bullock’s acting–her fear bled through the movie screen. So I’m giving the movie 5 stars, and I don’t care what NASA said about in accuracies.
Now, onto the writing part. This movie is an excellent example of conflict and piling more and more on the character. One problem resolved, quick breather for the character, then another disaster. It’s a roller coaster that is perfectly executed.
Whether you’re interested in screenwriting or not, I recommend this movie for every writer, especially suspense and thriller writers. It is the best example I’ve seen of ratcheting up the stakes while making the viewer care deeply for the main character in a long time. The movie’s setup is quick, giving us just enough interaction with Bullock and Clooney to care, and then all hell breaks loose and last until the last seconds of the movie.
Beyond that, the character growth is very strong. Through fear, desperation, panic, and finally, faith, Bullock keeps fighting. We see her terror while witnessing her strength, and that is a damned hard thing to pull off.
Genre tastes aside, this movie is a must see to better your writing craft.
Have you seen Gravity? Do you plan to? What movies have helped shape your writing?
Skeleton’s Key (Delta Crossroads #2) broke into the top 100 in Mystery Series in less than a week of release! Thank you so much to those of you who attended the launch party on Facebook and who are reading/reviewing the book. I’m thrilled with the positive response!
A very quick teaser for Skeleton’s Key:
Dani hopped in first, curling her body into as tight a ball as possible. Jaymee followed, wedging beside and half on top of Dani until they could pull the seat shut. Dani grunted under her friend’s weight, and Jaymee shushed her. Jaymee’s thick brown hair fell against Dani’s nose, and she was grateful for the sweet scent of strawberries that helped dilute the mustiness of the window seat.
The sound of the antique doorknob turning seemed as loud as a canon blast. Dani gripped Jaymee’s arm as the door opened and the footsteps were less than ten feet away. Through a sliver of space in the warped wood, Dani saw the lights flicker back to life. Then, men’s boots. Large feet. Tan trousers.
“You two are in big trouble.”
Cynthia Robertson
Congrats on Skeleton’s Key, Stacy.
I haven’t seen Gravity, but plan to. Glad to hear it’s so good. I though World War Z was an action packed, tension-filled movie. It lacked character development, but I hardly cared, the plot moved along so fast.
Julie Glover
You’re the second person I’ve heard to wholeheartedly recommend this movie. Since I generally hate going to theaters these days, I’m putting this one on my save list for Netflix. As soon as it comes out on DVD, I’ll see it. Thanks!
Stacy Green
THanks so much, Cynthia. And yes, Gravity was well worth it. I haven’t seen WWZ yet. I probably will, but I’m not a big Pitt fan. You’re welcome, Julie. Let me know what you think of it!