Monday, October 7, 2013  Gravity: How much of it is wrong, and
why that's right  (Warning: Spoilers for "Gravity")  Alfonso
Cuaron's magnificent film "Gravity" finally debuted last week. 
I've been waiting for this event for years, having heard what he
was attempting to do and having been totally blown away by his
last film "Children of Men."  I was not disappointed.  Gravity
is a masterpiece of film craft in every respect.  The effects
are nothing short of breathtaking, the writing is crisp and
compelling, and the performances are spot-on.  I did not realize
what a brilliant actress Sandra Bullock was.  She really stands
out, even though George Clooney is also performing at an
extremely high level.  That said, the films physics (at least in
terms of orbital mechanics) are completely wrong.  I think
Cuaron knew this, chose to do it incorrectly, and that it was
the right choice.   Allow me to explain:  "Gravity" does not
take place in zero-gravity, it takes place in free-fall. 
Kowalsky and Stone are not in de