Moon
Director: Duncan Jones.
Screenplay: Duncan Jones, Nathan Parker.
Starring: Sam Rockwell, Dominique McElliogot, Benedict Wong.
Voice of: Kevin Spacey.
“I hope life on Earth is everything you remember it to be“.
Being the son of legendary musician David Bowie must put a lot of pressure on you, especially if your chosen profession is also to entertain. However, this is a pressure that director Duncan Jones seems to relish. His talents are used in a different medium from his father but equally as impressive with this relatively low-budget debut and he produces one of the finest science fiction film’s for quite some time.
Lone astronaut Sam Bell (Rockwell) is nearing the end of a three year service harvesting the Moon for much needed resources to keep Earth functioning. While carrying out his duties, he is involved in a collision resulting in a serious concussion. Upon wakening, he realises that things are not as they seemed during his years of isolation and that he’s not been alone either.
While having some obvious comparisons to “2001: A Space Odyssey” in terms of it’s onboard computer Gerty (voiced by Kevin Spacey) resembling HAL-9000 and a similiar structurely directing approach to Stanley Kubrick’s, that’s where the comparisons end. The themes of isolation and loneliness have more in common with Steven Soderbergh’s tormented “Solaris” or the existential pondering and exploration of individuality and memories echo the work of Ridley Scott’s “Blade Runner”. Being a fan of both of those, I found “Moon” to be very appealing indeed.
In a time where science fiction, seems intent on throwing as much money on the screen as possible, it’s refreshing to see one that works on it’s simple, yet very effective, concept rather than smooth over the cracks with excessive special effects. It’s through this that real talent is allowed the room to develop and that opportunity is seized by an outstanding Sam Rockwell. In a year that Awards pretty much had Jeff Bridges’ name already engraved on them for “Crazy Heart“, Rockwell’s performance here was shamefully overlooked. He at least deserved a nomination. By now, everyone is aware of this great actors talents but Jones gives him the chance to really show his range in multiple roles and without his sublime and commanding work, this film might not have worked as well as it does. However, it does work and very well at that. Jones has a good handle on the thought provoking material and shows a restraint beyond his years, while the subtlety of Rockwell’s performance brings out the spiritual and intellectual struggle of his character(s).
Gary Shaw’s sublime cinematography does not go unnoticed either. He perfectly captures the claustrophobic environment which only serves to heighten a foreboding sense of paranoia and Clint Mansell’s excellent use of music is eerily atmospheric by simply using basic piano notes.
Not only on modern terms, “Moon” can hold it’s own with some the best that science fiction has to offer and just goes to show that a basic concept, a basic structure and a minimal cast can culminate into something quite special.
This cemented an already talented actor’s reputation and heralded the arrival of a promising new director. With the impressive “Source Code” already in the bag and the forthcoming “World of Warcraft“, Jones is certainly one for the watching. He’s a director that already shows confidence in himself and won’t be rushed into telling his story, making it all the more satisfying for a contemporary audience that’s been slapped around the head with too many Michael Bay movies.
Mark Walker
Trivia: Kevin Spacey read the script and agreed to voice Gerty but when the film was finished and only if he liked it. Having loved it, he recorded his lines in half a day.
MARKED MOVIES 
November 20, 2013 at 3:06 pm
This movie is beautiful!! Good one Muckers!!
Boat Drinks!
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November 20, 2013 at 3:47 pm
It is that amigo! Such a beautiful film.
Boat Drinks!
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November 20, 2013 at 3:07 pm
I really need to see this. Like really.
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November 20, 2013 at 3:48 pm
You seem to know what you need to do, so I’ll not add any more pressure. 😉
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November 20, 2013 at 3:50 pm
🙂
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November 20, 2013 at 3:07 pm
Excellent review, I have to still to see this one but it looks like an interesting film.
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November 20, 2013 at 3:49 pm
Cheers Vinnie. You should definitely check it out, man. It’s one of Sci-Fi’s best from recent times.
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November 20, 2013 at 3:10 pm
Nice review Mark. Rockwell owns this movie, and it still makes me wonder, even til this day, why he wasn’t at least nominated for this. At least.
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November 20, 2013 at 3:50 pm
At least, Dan. I was a big fan of Bridges in Crazy Heart and can understand him winning but Rockwell was robbed of a nomination. Robbed I say!
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November 20, 2013 at 3:17 pm
That’s two Moon reviews I’ve read today and I STILL don’t understand why they used clones!
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November 20, 2013 at 3:51 pm
Are you pulling my chain, man? I thought that part was obvious! No? 😉
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November 20, 2013 at 4:11 pm
They couldn’t have just hired some new people instead of going through all that clone trouble?
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November 20, 2013 at 4:33 pm
Haha! Fair point! I can only assume that clones are cheaper and don’t complain so much. It was a long term goal after all.
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November 20, 2013 at 4:45 pm
Seems like he complained quite a bit!
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November 20, 2013 at 5:12 pm
I suppose once he began to get all philosophical and existential, he did complain a bit. I still think a human would been a bigger pain in the arse, though. Added to which, clones are more surplus to requirements.
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November 20, 2013 at 7:00 pm
Business reasons. If the technology is there to clone a person multiple times, then the knowledge is there in every instance of that person. No staff costs, no raining coats, no attitudes, and certainly not the huge expense of putting another person in space (and getting one safely home). Plus, as we find out, it’s all illegal.
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November 20, 2013 at 7:03 pm
I don’t think training two or three people every three years would be a huge drop in the bucket for the biggest company in the world. And sending a ship to the moon is more costly than implementing and maintaining a cloning program? And like you said, it’s illegal, and they’re pretty much screwed at the end when the secret is revealed, so why take that chance?
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November 21, 2013 at 9:51 am
Admittedly it’s been a while since I saw the film. But who says they are maintaining the system? It all seems to go like clockwork. A clone doesn’t take wages (it only thinks it is) and, if the technology is available (in the setting) then any smart business, pandering to shareholders’ desire to profit, will take the shortest route possible.
Illegality isn’t really a concern if you can cover it up. One only has to consider the real world situations like the Enron, Libor, and Satyam scandals, the KPMG tax shelters, or FlowTex’s phantom sales.
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November 21, 2013 at 10:04 am
Fair points made by both of you but we could be reading a little too deeply here. Let’s not forget that it’s science fiction and that is a medium that’s perfect for exploring philosophical ideas. The main reason why it’s a clones only serves the existential element to the story. It wouldn’t have worked otherwise. It goes back to Descartes and his philosophical theory of “I think therefore I am”. This was further explored by the replicants in Blade Runner. It’s about their purpose and need to exist that’s the main draw. Ultimately, Moon is a character study and the effects on one man, whose purpose and memories of life are stripped away from him.
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November 21, 2013 at 10:37 am
Yes, to reading too much into things.
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November 20, 2013 at 3:30 pm
Hell yes, Mr. Walker. You finally got around to watching this and I am so happy you love it. I love the comparisons to Solaris, as I definitely saw that as well, and of course, the comparisons to 2001 as well. I wrote a post not too long ago about Moon (my 3rd or so post since my site’s inception lol), and you hit on several of the same points. And I am very happy you mention Clint Mansell’s score. And as I type this I realize you had already seen it when commenting on my post lol. So… forget the first part.
http://cinekatz.com/five-reasons-why-moon-is-one-of-the-best-sci-fi-film-of-the-past-ten-years/
Because I love plugging my own stuff… that sounds naughty.
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November 20, 2013 at 3:53 pm
Thank you Mr. Powell. I had seen this already and even reviewed it before but I wasn’t happy with my writing then. It was written when I wasn’t really taking my blog seriously and have always wanted to go back to it one day. It’s such a great film and definitely echoes Solaris and 2001 yet still stands it’s own ground.
I’ll swing by on your shameless plug in a little while. Cheers bud! 😉
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November 20, 2013 at 3:52 pm
Brilliant review. It’s shocking that I have not seen this, sounds great. I feel like it’s a sort of film alike to “Prince of Darkness”, in that it focuses on the concept and not brilliant CGI or action sequences. However not alike in terms of acting, lol.
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November 20, 2013 at 3:56 pm
In terms of concept and small budget you could say that it’s as effective as Prince of darkness, Chris, but certainly nowhere near the same in terms of storyline. This is a fantastic little film and one you should definitely seek out.
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November 20, 2013 at 4:05 pm
I was just talking to Nick about this film on my post today that I’ve got the major plot spoiled for me by Reddit a few weeks ago 😦 I’m still interested to see it though, as Rockwell is ace!
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November 20, 2013 at 4:35 pm
That’s a shame that it’s been spoiled Ruth. That’s my last two posts (this and The Departed) that have been spoiled for you. Still worth seeking out, though.
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November 20, 2013 at 4:38 pm
Yeah I know, I guess that’s the worst part about social media. I was going through some threads on Reddit when someone mentioned what Rockwell’s character was 😦
Btw, would love to hear your opinion on today’s question on FC. Some of your faves are represented I think 😀
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November 20, 2013 at 5:09 pm
I know what you mean. I currently on season 3 of Breaking Bad and been trying to avoid spoilers at all costs. It’s hard when you’re looking through stuff.
Yeah, I’ll drop by later on that post of yours Ruth. I seen the title and it’s one I’m interested in answering. 🙂
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November 20, 2013 at 4:25 pm
Nice work Mark, an impressive debut film eh? Thought Rockwell was good in this, but then he’s always good. I like the retro 70s vibe going on too.
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November 20, 2013 at 4:36 pm
A great debut, Stu, and a great central performance. Well spotted on the 70’s vibe. It certainly did feel that way and worked all the better for it.
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November 20, 2013 at 4:42 pm
Our Film Club just watched this and I have to say that I was impressed with this film.
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November 20, 2013 at 5:10 pm
Great to hear Thomas. It’s a hard film not to be impressed by, in my opinion. Brilliant stuff.
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November 20, 2013 at 5:15 pm
You’re welcome. I wrote a review of it last night and was surprised to see someone else in my feed do a review of the same film without knowing it. What a coincidence.
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November 20, 2013 at 5:42 pm
I had written about it a good while back but thought I’d revisit it and brush up on my older review. I’ll drop by yours to see your take on it.
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November 20, 2013 at 4:47 pm
Mighty fine review. To my shame I’ve never finished Moon. I’ve always wanted to because I enjoyed what I was seeing. You’ve relit that fire my friend.
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November 20, 2013 at 5:18 pm
It’s definitely one you should go back to bro. It’s a fantastic film. One of the best of recent science fiction.
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November 20, 2013 at 4:51 pm
The fact Rockwell didn’t win, or still least get a nomination is appalling. One of my favourite films of all time. Outstanding post Mark!!
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November 20, 2013 at 5:40 pm
I feel your pain Joseph. I do! Rockwell could easily have laid claim to an awards victory for this role but being up against Jeff Bridges was a tough one. Still, a fucking nomination, man. He deserved at least that.
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November 20, 2013 at 6:50 pm
Never seen it, but Nick keeps banging on about it (as do others) so I bought the blu ray last week. Worries me a little you loved it, since we disagreed about a certain space themed movie recently, but we shall see 🙂
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November 20, 2013 at 7:16 pm
Disagree we did on a certain space movie. Eric and I were just talking about that the other day when he recommended Europa Report. I had to remind him that he was a fan of said space movie and I wasn’t sure if I could trust his judgement anymore. Much like yourself Carter! 😉
That being said, you better like this 😉
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November 25, 2013 at 9:12 pm
Europa Report was pretty boring…….
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November 26, 2013 at 9:40 am
“Europa Report” is boring and “Love” wasn’t? Now this I have to see 😉
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November 26, 2013 at 11:37 am
Lol – I am only half way through Europa, I should clarify that. Trying to drum up motivation to go back to 2nd part 🙂
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November 26, 2013 at 11:48 am
Hmmm! I won’t get my hopes up but I still must see for myself. Your opinion isn’t what it used to be, man. 😉
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November 20, 2013 at 9:56 pm
Such an amazing film. Sam Rockwell is always great but it was really, really great in this one.
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November 20, 2013 at 9:57 pm
Correction, HE is really great! My passion for this film rendered my typing useless.
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November 20, 2013 at 11:53 pm
Haha! I get your meaning Anna. He was exceptionally good here and no matter how much time passes, I’ll always be pissed at the Oscar academy for their ignorance.
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November 20, 2013 at 10:12 pm
Nice review. It is a superb little movie and definitely one of the best sci-fi films in recent years. And as you said, Rockwell was ignored by the Oscars.
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November 20, 2013 at 11:53 pm
Thank you sir! Couldn’t agree more. What more does Rockwell need to do, man?
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November 20, 2013 at 11:25 pm
Great work here Mark and always nice to see a mention of Soderbergh’s under-appreciated Solaris. I loved this movie right until the final few moments which I felt weren’t necessary. That being said it’s been a few years so I could do with revisiting it.
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November 20, 2013 at 11:56 pm
Thanks Mark. Glad to hear of another Soderbergh/Solaris fan. I loved that movie and would probably rate it as good as Moon. Now, that’s one I’d have to revisit.
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November 20, 2013 at 11:38 pm
Glad to see you, as well as all those who commented, love this movie. It is an excellent, but oft-overlooked piece of sci-fi.
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November 20, 2013 at 11:59 pm
Absolutely Wendell. It’s one of the best of recent times. Such a brilliant piece of cinema. Thanks for stopping by and commenting. It’s always nice to see a new face 🙂
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November 21, 2013 at 11:58 pm
Great review. I love Moon, it really gives you a feeling of loneliness like no other
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November 22, 2013 at 12:00 am
Cheers Mikey. I couldn’t agree more, man. I just had a quick peek around your site and it looks good. I shall return when I have a bit more time.
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November 22, 2013 at 12:09 am
Cheers mate, hope you enjoy it, any blog advice would be appreciated!
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November 22, 2013 at 12:12 am
If I can give any advice, I certainly will do. Looks like you’re doin just fine though. As I say, I’ll have a proper browse around soon and mingle a bit. 🙂
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November 23, 2013 at 5:18 am
Fantastic read here, Mark. Glad you did go ahead and post your review after all. 😀
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November 23, 2013 at 2:40 pm
Thanks For dropping by to check it out Eric. I appreciate, man. 🙂
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November 25, 2013 at 9:06 am
Great review man. Definitely one of the best sci-fi films of recent years. It’s just so simple. You saw Oblivion with Tom Cruise right? I can’t believe how much it took from Moon.
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November 25, 2013 at 12:32 pm
Cheers Chris. Yeah, I reviewed Oblivion fairly recently and that was a major gripe I had with it. It totally robbed from Moon and shockingly so.
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December 1, 2013 at 2:58 am
David Bowie’s son did a great job with this one. 🙂
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December 1, 2013 at 10:40 am
He certainly did. I was also quite impressed with Source Code and I’m looking forward to World of Warcraft to see how he handles that.
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December 5, 2013 at 12:26 pm
One of the best sci-fi movies ever! PERIOD!
Good write up, Mark.
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December 5, 2013 at 3:00 pm
I wouldn’t argue with you there at all, man. It’s certainly one of the most memorable for a very long time. Thank you sir! 🙂
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March 10, 2014 at 12:03 am
[…] Sam – source Tess – source GERTY – source Multiple “Sams” – source Outside shot – […]
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March 25, 2014 at 1:29 pm
[…] Moon * * * * 1/2 […]
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