Sandra Bullock has often been associated with blockbuster projects with one being 2013’s Gravity. Just like any other role, she immersed herself to perfectly execute the role of Dr. Ryan Stone, who embarks on her first shuttle mission joining George Clooney’s Matt Kowalski. The duo ends up in a difficult situation when their shuttle is destroyed in orbit leaving them to venture into space to return to Earth.
It was an incredible success among critics and moviegoers, but real-life astronauts were not much pleased with the output.
Retired Astronaut Was Disappointed With Sandra Bullock’s Character in Gravity!
In a 2020 video interview with Vanity Fair, retired astronaut, Chris Hadfield shared his insights on the film. Addressing Sandra Bullock‘s acting in the film, he admitted that she did a commendable job to immerse into her role. However, he was unhappy with her character, deeming it as poorly written, which was otherwise from what real-life female astronauts are capable of.
“I think it set back a little girl’s vision of what a woman astronaut could be an entire generation. Sandra Bullock did a great job of portraying this character in the movie, but I just think the character that they wrote for her was really disappointing.”
Criticizing the character in Gravity, he threw light on how real-life female astronauts are more than what was shown in the film. Taking an example, he shared,
“The most experienced astronaut in American history is a woman. It’s [Peggy] Whitson. She’s been in space longer than any other American. She commanded the International Space Station twice. She’s done ten space walks. She was NASA’s chief astronaut.”
Not just her, but he also went on to take a dig at her co-star, George Clooney’s character.
George Clooney Acted as ‘Space Cowboy’ While Sandra Bullock Felt Helpless
He went on to condemn her behavior in the 2013 film as her character would panic when trouble knocked at her door.
“When she’s faced with a problem, she’s panicking and has no idea what to do”
Meanwhile, he also took a jibe on Clooney’s character who was shown in a completely different light as compared to Bullock’s Dr. Ryan Stone.
“[George] Clooney is driving around like some sort of space cowboy as the only person who really knows what’s going on.”
Overall, he shared his thoughts stating that the film should have used their characters in the right way.
“Get the characters right, get it to represent what astronauts are actually like, and then build the story around that.”
Making a false narrative was what disheartened Hadfield, but the film received critical acclaim grossing over $723 million.
Gravity is available to watch on HBO Max.
Source: Vanity Fair
