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James Cameron praises 'Gravity,' calls it 'the best space film ever done'

James Cameron praises 'Gravity,' calls it 'the best space film ever done'

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Gravity (WARNER BROS.)
Gravity (WARNER BROS.)

Alfonso Cuaron's upcoming film Gravity has been generating gasps since the first teaser trailer emerged, and now Variety has taken a look at the making of the movie — including some high praise from none other than James Cameron. According to the article, Cuaron was first inspired to tackle the project after reading a script his son was writing with similar themes. The two decided to collaborate, but telling a story set completely in zero gravity — particularly with Cuaron's signature long takes — presented a whole set of visual effects challenges that needed to be solved. The director consulted with a number of fellow cinematic visionaries, including David Fincher and James Cameron, before deciding to combine live-action footage shot in a special LED-lit "light box" with digital bodies for the film's outer space sequences. To pull off the effect of zero gravity when Sandra Bullock's character is inside a ship, the production called upon industrial robots and custom rigging to support the actress.

The combined efforts appear to have paid off. The film received a rapturous response at the Venice Film Festival, and Cameron himself is one of the film's strongest supporters. "I was stunned, absolutely floored," he tells Variety. "I think it's the best space photography ever done, I think it's the best space film ever done, and it's the movie I've been hungry to see for an awful long time." To learn even more about the making of one of this year's most anticipated sci-fi films, check out Variety's article.