Review: Moon

Adam Mast on Duncan Jones' MOON...

This effectively shot sci fi piece features an outstanding
performance by Sam Rockwell as Sam Bell, a miner whose been stationed
on the moon for three long years. He is completely isolated and only
has the lunar base computer (voiced by Kevin Spacey) to keep him
company. With only a few weeks left on his long and lonely shift, a
strange encounter has Bell questioning his own sanity.

Rockwell
gives a wonderfully textured, multi-layered performance, and it
reminded me a bit of Tom Hanks in Cast Away in that he doesn't really
have anyone to bounce off of here. This is essentially a one man show.
Rockwell perfectly conveys a loneliness and vulnerability that, at
times, is quite heartbreaking. Through the ingenuity of creative
direction and writing from Duncan Jones (son of David Bowie), Rockwell
is also able to showcase many different facets of his personality.
There's a stoic side, an eccentric side, and, of course, a manic side.
They're all on full display and in top form.

The plot of Moon
really takes shape in the second half of the film when a most
interesting element is introduced to this tale of a lonely man looking
forward to returning home to his family. Again, I'm not going to reveal
this particular plot point. It isn't so much a twist as it is an
intriguing hook that drives this character driven piece in a compelling
direction. Its also a plot point that will explain many of the strange
goings-on that may have puzzled some before the midway mark.

Moon
is both haunting and poetic and while the speed at which the story
unfolds may be maddening for some, there's so much here worth
recommending, including stunning art direction and an amazing score by
Clint Mansell. While Moon does touch on themes explored in 2001,
Solaris, and Silent Running, it doesn't really feel like those movies.
It exists in a world all its own. This isn't exactly a film for the
masses, but it does raise some interesting questions about humanity,
and it presents these questions in a unique, engaging way. If you have
the patience to stick with Moon, it's quite a rewarding experience.