In the near future, the world’s energy problems have led humanity to develop a way to harness the power found within helium-3, a clean and abundant fuel source found on the surface of the moon. A company called Lunar Industries maintains Sarang, a mining base on the dark side of the moon which is currently manned by Sam Bell (Sam Rockwell). Sam watches over the unmanned mining rovers that scour the surface of the moon for helium-3. When enough of the fuel is collected, Sam retrieves it from the rover and then launches it to Earth in a small cylinder.
As Moon opens, Sam is two weeks away from the end of his three year tour-of-duty on the moon. He is feeling the effects of being isolated and he longs to see the wife and daughter he left behind. Due to a problem with the satellite Sarang uses to communicate with Earth, there is no way to speak in real time with either home or Lunar Industries. Sam’s only companion on Sarang is GERTY, a computer that is able to move through the base on a ceiling mounted track. GERTY provides information about the status of the rovers as well as providing help with day-to-day chores in the base.
On a routine collection mission to one of the rovers, Sam has an accident. What transpires afterwards leads him to doubt that everything is exactly as he has trusted it to be for the last three years. To say any more about the plot of Moon would rob those that have not seen it of one of the most mind-bending and interesting concepts in a science fiction film in a long time.
Moon was directed and conceptualized by Duncan Jones, who some may know as Zowie Bowie, the son of singer David Bowie. With a background in special effects, Jones was able to make the most of a minimal budget. Made for only $5 million, Moon looks very much the equal of many larger productions. The set design and excellent lighting give the film a lived-in look that does a lot to provide a sense of realism.
Moon‘s soundtrack further enhances the isolation that Jones’ story conveys so well. Clint Mansell, who’s also provided original music for Requiem for a Dream and The Wrestler, has assembled a haunting, piano-driven score that sets the tone for the film from the opening scenes.
Sam Rockwell, who has provided many interesting performances over his career, deserves an Oscar nomination for his work in Moon. Although I won’t reveal why, Rockwell has a challenging role and he absolutely nails each subtle nuance of the Sam Bell character. One of the things that makes Moon so enjoyable — besides its mind-bending premise — is the fact that, even though it’s a science fiction film, it’s very much rooted in humanity. Even GERTY, voiced by Kevin Spacey, manages to seem more human than you’d expect even though his emotions are conveyed through smiley faces on a screen.
Long time science fiction fans will no doubt make comparisons to classic films like Silent Running and Outland and the similarities are not unintentional. Duncan Jones has said in interviews that he was influenced by both films. And, like those and other classic science fiction films, Moon deserves your attention. It may have been overlooked in theaters but, now that it’s available on DVD, there’s no excuse not to visit Moon.
5.0 out of 5.0 stars
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