References in 'Gravity'

'Gravity' is essentially a survival movie in space. The main character has to battle an unforgiving environment in order to survive at the same time deal with some personal issues. Gravity is a roller coaster ride with elaborate and intense action scenes alternated by quiet moments for reflection. 'Gravity' has been hailed as the intellectual successor to '2001: A Space Odyssey' (1968). Though 'Gravity' references 2001 several times, this movie refrains from dealing with the larger questions put forth by 2001. Rather it is more about the human condition, more specifically, about resilience, letting go, growth, sacrifice and the basic primal instinct in all of us to survive no matter how bleak a situation is.

Apart from '2001 : A Space Odyssey' , 'Gravity' also references many other movies. Here are the references that I picked up. Comment below if you think I missed out on something.

2001 : A Space Odyssey

When faced with certain death, Sandra Bullock's character grows from timid and hesitant to become someone who will take extraordinary risks to survive. This growth (or her rebirth) is symbolized in the shot where she curls up in a fetal position, a reference to the star-child in 2001 : A Space Odyssey.

A pen appears in a shot and floats away. I counted 3 times. Another reference to 2001: A Space Odyssey.

Aliens

Both movies have maternal themes with a female lead. There is a reference when Bullock's character takes off her suit after entering the ISS. Also, there is a sequence filled with red lights.

Looney Tunes

I don't remember the name of the movie but there is a Looney Tunes movie in which Bugs Bunny goes to space and meets Marvin Martian for the first time. Here it is referenced by showing a floating Martian on the ISS.\

Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy

Deep Thought's "answer to the ultimate question of life, universe and everything", 42 appears as a patch on the Russian spacesuit the Bullock's characters wears.