Moon (2009)
October 30th 2009 00:06
Directed by:- Duncan Jones
Starring:- Sam Rockwell, Kevin Spacey.
Science fiction, one of my favourite genres. I'm always looking on the horizon for another's vision of a new world, or something that will make me think a little. Plus I've always liked the moon and heard a few good things about this one.
Immediately when Moon opens, the audience is taken into a holistic perspective on life, reminding us of our energy draining ways, and that sooner or later, this has to end. The alternative, look for energy elsewhere. Sam Bell has signed a three year contract with Lunar Industries in order to obtain Helium 3, a crucial energy source found on the moon that he must harvest and send back to Earth.
Sam is living and working on the far side of the moon, with his only outside contact being relayed work messages and periodic communication with his wife Tess and daughter Eve, facilitated by his sole companion and fellow moon resident GERTY, the computer (voiced by Kevin Spacey). With two weeks of his contract left, Sam has had enough isolation, and longs to return to Earth to see his family. Spying GERTY communicating live with Lunar Industries, Sam becomes suspicious and tricks the computer into letting him outside. It is here that Sam's journey, seemingly at an end, is really just beginning.
In creating its atmosphere, Moon uses minimal actors, and no outlandish special effects. Models were instead used in scenes, all part of a purportedly low budget. Instead, the film uses thought and perspective to get its point across, which works well. The music is also very effective, consisting of the same slow piano piece throughout the film, which creates a mood of isolation, immensity and uncertainty.
Sam Rockwell does an excellent job as the main actor aboard Moon base Selene, going through a range of motions that convinced me of his journey. The focus on Sam's introspection, his isolation, flashes of the past, his relationship with GERTY, his contract coming to an end, all help to maintain the atmosphere within his journey. And as events start to unfold, the audience is left questioning what is real and what is not. Kevin Spacey also does a credible job of projecting the emotionless rational voice of GERTY that figures throughout Sam's plight.
Moon is simple in design, yet is well executed and will get you thinking, a good example where less is more. The film is also a nice change from the special effect driven blockbuster genre that has unfortunately ruled screens of late, as here we are returned to a style more akin to old school sci-fi classics.
A first major film from director Duncan Jones, Moon leaves me looking forward to seeing more come from this talented bloke with the legendary dad.
Four bananas out of five.
Starring:- Sam Rockwell, Kevin Spacey.
Science fiction, one of my favourite genres. I'm always looking on the horizon for another's vision of a new world, or something that will make me think a little. Plus I've always liked the moon and heard a few good things about this one.
Sam is living and working on the far side of the moon, with his only outside contact being relayed work messages and periodic communication with his wife Tess and daughter Eve, facilitated by his sole companion and fellow moon resident GERTY, the computer (voiced by Kevin Spacey). With two weeks of his contract left, Sam has had enough isolation, and longs to return to Earth to see his family. Spying GERTY communicating live with Lunar Industries, Sam becomes suspicious and tricks the computer into letting him outside. It is here that Sam's journey, seemingly at an end, is really just beginning.
Sam Rockwell does an excellent job as the main actor aboard Moon base Selene, going through a range of motions that convinced me of his journey. The focus on Sam's introspection, his isolation, flashes of the past, his relationship with GERTY, his contract coming to an end, all help to maintain the atmosphere within his journey. And as events start to unfold, the audience is left questioning what is real and what is not. Kevin Spacey also does a credible job of projecting the emotionless rational voice of GERTY that figures throughout Sam's plight.
Moon is simple in design, yet is well executed and will get you thinking, a good example where less is more. The film is also a nice change from the special effect driven blockbuster genre that has unfortunately ruled screens of late, as here we are returned to a style more akin to old school sci-fi classics.
A first major film from director Duncan Jones, Moon leaves me looking forward to seeing more come from this talented bloke with the legendary dad.
Four bananas out of five.
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Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
I am still awaiting my Moon DVD on Blur Ray in the mail but already know there will be some regret at missing in Cinemas...I really need a bigger TV
Comment by Quin Goot
Bagman's Gazette
Cinema Banana
Yes, it was a real cinema spectacle, but I am sure (from an idea of your tastes) that you will like this one on DVD. Another low(er) budget sci-fi worth having a look at.
Comment by ShaunK
Screen Adventure
Liked this but was affected by the hype which ultimately affected my appreciation of it.
Good review though and isn't Rockwell awesome!!
Comment by Andy Tope
Bagman's Gazette
Cinema Banana
Thanks. Shame when that happens isn't it? Although I think it's inevitable when your finger is constantly dangling in the movie pie.
Yes, I love Rockwell. I also think this movie was certainly not without its faults, but it was a nice shift in the genre.