Most definately a space oddity ...

Moon is the story of Sam Bell who is working, most surprisingly, on the Moon as it is seen in the future as a major source of energy. His job as an astronaut involves a three year contract in which he remains alone and the tests that come with such isolation are what follows (bearing in mind it is extremely difficult to explain the film without giving away its fundamental plot, so go and see it!). Sam Rockwell beautifully portrays his despair in the little actions and idiosyncrasies, a subtly that lacks an obvious desperation which could so easily have been presented. Sam Rockwell holds this film entirely on his own, a completely commendable achievement and even with this omnipresence his charm never fades and it is hard to become bored with such a compelling performance. This is due mainly to his ability to both complexes us yet make himself truly accessible with a humanity we are able to relate to.

As solid as this is for a first time director, it was the faceless robot friend GERTY (voiced by Kevin Spacey) who completely stole the show. He is represented merely by a screen which adorns a smiley face, and when this face starts to shed a single tear, it’s hard not to be moved regardless of how ridiculous you know it is. Such an advance in technology was completely believable and utterly endearing as there is a sensibility behind such a 2D character
It however, refuses to be constrained by the rules of science fiction and is much more deeply rooted in philosophical ideas. Jones does not shy away from a strong agenda and it is startling to see such confidence be rewarded with success. Man Vs Man is thoroughly explored, with Sam feeling ever distanced from reality as the days slowly progress. An unpredictable anxiety unfolds which never leaves us throughout the film and it’s with this tension that we never quite know where we are and who to believe. His desperate messages to home only help in establishing a much needed sympathy towards Sam that is later tested.
It’s disappointing that its release was so limited however makes it all the more encouraging finding it entered the British Box Office a number 8, an achievement which has no doubt been helped with the film being rightfully awarded the Edinburgh Film Festival award. There is a great potential to take away from this, an encouraging move in a time when we are meant to be happy with regurgitate re-makes and heart deflation transformer sequels!

Unfortunately at some point I have to mention that the director’s father is the legend himself ... David Bowie! It seems more than a coincidence that such a space driven film has gone without family influence. However it is clear that Duncan Jones has an individuality that he will ever shy away from as a director, as convention is definitely toyed with in this film, a triumph most certainly.

H xx