Alfonso Cuarón’s “Gravity” opened this weekend and skyrocketed in box office sales. “Gravity” is now the number one movie in the U.S., which demonstrates that America’s curiosity for space voyage still exists, despite the technology that came with the 21st century. This space odyssey follows the voyage of two astronauts (Academy Award winners George Clooney and Sandra Bullock) who find themselves stranded and alone in deep space after a collision with debris destroys their space shuttle. Gravity focuses on the universal fear of isolation and uses outer space as backdrop rather than a main theme. Instead of reviewing the astronomical blockbuster, I thought I could highlight some other movies based on “Gravity’s” theme of seclusion and survival. So as fall break approaches and you find yourself “isolated” without any plans, check out these films for a guaranteed adventure.
1. Castaway” (2000)
A FedEx system analyst, Chuck Noland (Tom Hanks), finds himself stranded on an uninhabited island after his plane crashes in the South Pacific. This film focuses on isolation in the most obvious way imaginable, stranded on an island. Hanks every-man portrayal of Noland made the scenario genuinely relatable to audiences and also earned him an Academy Award nomination. The final stand of desperation is exhibited during the iconic departure of Wilson, the inanimate volleyball that Noland befriends. Chuck Noland’s despairing yell of “WILSON” still gives me chills.
2. “Life of Pi” (2012)
After surviving a shipwreck that kills his family, Piscine Molitor “Pi” Patel (Suraj Sharma) finds himself stranded in the middle of the Pacific Ocean on a lifeboat with a Bengal tiger. The duo forms a connection based on the theme of survival and isolation. This film has a beautiful story that warms the heart and miraculous cinematography for your eyes.
3. “127 Hours” (2010)
Aron Ralston (James Franco), a Utah outdoorsman, finds himself trapped alone after slipping on a loose rock during a canoeing trip. This biographical drama displays the extreme measures one man is forced into for survival. “Extreme measures” is not used lightly, “127 Hours is not for the faint hearted.
4. “Into the Wild” (2007)
After graduating from Emory University, Christopher McCandless (Emile Hirsch) abandons his family, friends, and possessions (including his entire savings of $24,000) to become an itinerant and search for a greater relationship with nature. This film depicts the outrageous dream every person has once in his or her life when society has been a little too much to handle. McCandless uses his raw intelligence and a few lovable characters; he meets along the way, to survive his life-changing journey to Alaska. Before settling in for this remarkable film, make sure you have a sound stock of tissues— you’ll need them.
5. “WALL-E” (2008)
In the year 2700, Earth has become completely uninhabited except for a wide-eyed robot named “WALL-E” (Waste Allocation Load Lifter Earth-Class) whose sole purpose is to take out the trash on the planet. This Pixar and Disney animated film captures the heart of its audience as “WALL-E” sets out to save the earth after discovering one his knick-knacks could be the key to human survival. If you have not treated yourself to this instant classic, than you need to reevaluate your priorities and check it out immediately.