SPOILERS for the film begin at 14:55

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The Moon. For several years now it has illuminated our night sky as well as our imaginations. While some say it merely reflects the light from our Sun, others say it reflects man’s search for purpose in a vast and mysterious universe.
And now one of David Bowie’s kid’s has made a movie set upon this titular celestial plateau.

Far in the future; sometime after the oil lobbies iron fist has unclenched but before apes become our masters; human beings have at last figured out the answer to our energy needs. The solution involves a friendly robot Kevin Spacey, a manned station on the dark side of the moon,  and sending Sam Rockwell’s scruffy ass there to do stuff.
It’s a lonely job but Sam Rockwell’s gotta do it. Actually, I’m not even sure what his job is supposed to be on this space station. Everything looks automated so I’ve concluded he’s just there to keep Robot Kevin Spacey company.
Why this guy? How’d he draw the short straw? And what happens next week when his three year tour is up? These questions and others may be addressed in some manner by the end of the film.

Moon starts off at slow simmer and it took me a while to find it’s grove but once I did I became immersed in it’s spell. The story unfolds with the disarming intensity of a one man, single act play. It’s a claustrophobic introverted drama set against an endless and cosmic back drop. There are emotional heart breaking moments that rival anything in Up.

It’s terse smart sci-fi in the same vein as Danny Boyle’s Sunshine. And while the imagery may not be quite as beautiful as that film’s the story doesn’t derail two thirds in and delivers a satisfying concussion.
This is director Duncan Jones’ first feature film (and he really is David Bowie’s son). Clint Mansel’s (The Fountain)  score drones and hums melodically like a marriage of Radio Head to Carter Burwell. The art direction is austere and sterile  and recalls Douglas Trumbull’s work in 2001 (Did you know there’s an actor in that movie named Glenn Beck? I hope it’s not that same glazed-over cross eyed douche that’s on TV). The effects aren’t state of the art but they’re resourceful and well done. It’s relieving to see practical effects on the big screen again.
It’s a smart, well made film, at once unnerving and entertaining. Sci-fi fans should make it a point to put in on their must see list.

The Infamous Russel James
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Even the most primitive of societies have an innate respect for the insane.