2. An Emaciated Plot Isn't Justified
Taking everything said so far into consideration, Gravity can't seriously be lauded as an acute study of the human condition, which, to be honest, it really could and should have aimed to be. For me, Das Boot (1981) still stands as the greatest film where an intense examination of the film's subjects triumphs over the plot. If Gravity didn't have such one-dimensional characters and a mood which oscillates between edge-of-your-seat and getting-up-and-leaving, it could justify having an incredibly simple plot. In actuality of course it does possess those rotten features, which leaves the storyline unprotected on all sides. Das Boot proves that a complicated plot isn't necessary in order to make a great film, whereas North By Northwest proves that the story may well be the only thing you need. Of course, Gravity falls way short of both.