(Image source from: Gravity smashing box-office records})

Gravity has had an incredible weekend with the film grossing an estimated $55.6 million domestically, setting news records for both October and autumn releases, as well as surfacing as the biggest opening weekend ever for stars Sandra Bullock and George Clooney.

It's also the second biggest opening for director and screenwriter Alfonso Cuarón, behind Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.

While the film being a success is not particularly surprising, given the film's star power and overwhelmingly positive reviews, the record-setting debut has caused some critics to remark that Gravity marks a turning point in American cinema.

But even if that's too strong of a statement to get behind, the film's success is undeniably a big deal, and so it's not much of a stretch to assume that it could a have a major impact on the film industry. So, what exactly does Gravity's record-breaking opening weekend mean? After all, films have big opening weekends all the time, especially films starring actors like Clooney and Bullock.

However, Gravity is an original property with palpable Oscar buzz, which is what gives the achievement such significance.

News Source: Hollywood.com