I heard lots of chatter about this film before going to see it. So, with high expectations, I sought out a 3D version to view. This is quite something for me because I am firmly in the camp that believes that 3D is just another fad that the marketing specialists are exploiting to get us to part with more of our money.
This film is beautifully shot, with many interesting cinematographic ideas. Apparently the movie could not be made until the technology was created to make it. This could be seen in moments such as when we view Sandra Bullock through her helmet, pan through the very helmet covering and into her position to view space from her perspective, and then out the other side of the helmet - all in one sweeping take. Very clever.
But this for me is the problem. It all seems very clever. Technically it is a masterpiece. The action sequences are handled masterfully with tension. However, it proves the old adage for me - no plot, no movie. There are yawning gaps between the action set-pieces when the narrative, slight as it is, kicks in. The storyline can be summed up in one sentence; but I shall not do that since I try to avoid spoilers (but the clue is in the name of the film).
The character development is... well, there isn't any. The back story of the female character is ladled on so thickly between each action sequence that it is incongruous when placed against the subtly-treated cinematography and stillness/silence deliberately conjured by the director.
Unlike many, I quite liked the sharp, wise-cracking Clooney. I thought the way in which he tried to manage Bullock's emotionally distraught Dr Ryan such that she would cooperate in their efforts to survive was well played. However, there is not enough time and space (ouch!) for his character to develop into something with which the audience may relate.
So a paradox of a movie. Incredible visuals summoning up the sheer size and danger of space seen from a completely new perspective by the viewer car-crashed into a poorly-managed journey of a character realising that she wants to live. A clash of clever and clunky.
It says it all that my first thought when I left the theatre was that I wished I had watched 'Catching Fire' for a second time instead.