Sorta like 2001: A Space Odyssey, only it’s not boring.
Moon (2009)
Directed By: Duncan Jones
The Prologue
Duncan Jones is a name that might not jump right out at you once I say it. The name Duncan Jones also has an alias as well, Zowie Bowie. If the first thing that comes to mind is David Bowie then you are on the right track since Duncan Jones is the son of the famous singer/actor. And this movie today known as Moon is his first full length work. What Moon is, is a haunting film that touches on many emotions and does it all ALMOST entirely with just one actor, Sam Rockwell.
The Movie
Astronaut Sam Bell is reaching the end of his three year stint on the moon. All alone up there, the only thing close to a friend Sam has is a very intelligent computer, GERTY (voiced by Kevin Spacey). As time passes Sam starts encountering some very strange moments. He sees things, his head hurt, and the videos he is receiving from earth seem to have glitches in them. Is he going crazy? Or is there something much more shocking that holds the answers to it all?
Moon is not an action film by any means. It has drawn many comparisons to 2001: A Space Odyssey and GERTY does look a lot like HAL from the film.And while the movie may also be in space, take my word on it, it’s WAY better than 2001. While the two are not action films, the thing Moon does better is it holds your attention with very interesting things going down on screen. Even if it’s not done in the most exciting way. The film is very beautifu. From the emotion of it to the feel and the setting of which it takes place, it’s really just amazing. While I watched it on DVD I can only imagine how the Blu Ray looks. It’s eye candy for sure, but it’s the emotional story it tells that sells it.
There’s a few major twists in this film that drives home the mix of emotions both Sam and the viewer of the film feels as each thing happens. I won’t spoil it because it would just cut the legs out from under the film if I did but allow me to say they are very shocking and as you put it all together you will probably feel just as confused as Sam in the film is. Moon has an emotional attachment between it’s character and viewer, a connection that’s very hard to have in films. It really is a creative tale of a man who has been placed all by himself for a very long time. I think if nothing more the movie has a message of just how bad it sucks to deal with loneliness and how we all really should value companionship.
What’s even better about Moon is it’s a good space film without aliens, lightsaber battles, or any other bell and whistle most space films are known to have. The cast is pretty small and even with a few minor characters we pretty much just have Sam and his computer pal GERTY. I think if nothing else we see just how great of an actor Sam Rockwell is. He plays many emotions in this film and he does them all very well, so well I’d actually call it an award worthy performance.
If you just have to have things blowing up, people getting killed, and naked women running around, then this film isn’t for you. I’d dare say it’s for mature movie goers, as I just don’t see many teens really “getting” what they see on the screen. That being said, if you like a generally great story being told, an intelligent story being told, and a story that packs a very emotional impact, then Moon is for you.
The Conclusion
I think I could sum this up by just saying it’s a beautiful film. In story and in the way it looks. The ending might not be the most rewarding ending I’ve ever seen but I can’t hate on this film for any other reason that I can think of. If you haven’t seen it, then by all means go check it out.
The Rating (8/10)
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