Moon

There hasn't been a good sci-fi space movie in awhile that hasn't been part of a franchise. Moon brings the genre back to basics in the style of 2001 where isolation and claustrophobia dictate the tone and direction of the film. Space movies don't tend to get much credit for cinematic vision, as it seems that the stretch of the imagination is just too much fiction and not enough science for most people. There are typically major plot holes, unnecessary heroics or just disappointing endings. Moon was just subtle and under the radar enough to pull off a creepy and intriguing story.

There is nothing new about the basic story; Man is alone on a remote outpost doing a job for a large corporation and is just 2 weeks shy of finishing his 3 year contract. He is beginning to go a little stir-crazy and then there is an accident. What happens next is a sequence of events that are eerily reminiscent of the Twilight Zone or the Outer Limits.

What makes the story great is the simplicity and suspense. Up to a point, the viewer has absolutely no idea what is happening, and as the veil is slowly taken away, everything is laid out nicely and tied up like a Philip Dick short story. Because of the minimalist approach, the film's success depends on the believability of the single actor (Sam Rockwell) and the requisite computer companion (voiced by Kevin Spacey).

Sam Rockwell takes a big chance with this role, but that's nothing new for him. His screen time is nearly 100% and there is nothing more than Spacey's hypnotic robotic voice for him to interact with. He rises to the challenge, and performs well in dual roles, clearly conveying unique personalities in each individual.

This film lends a certain feeling of nostalgia for the simpler, more character driven space films of the past. Recent attempts have relied too heavily on special effects, extravagant plot twists or aliens. These all have their place in cinema, but it is difficult to connect with the humanity of the story if there is not the emotional element.

The director is an unknown, with only one previous film on his resume. There is little to credit him for in this endeavor however other than solid pacing and good timing. Rockwell deserves the kudos for his performance as a man (actually two) who finds himself in a tragic and startling situation.

This is a good movie, but I would be hesitant to recommend it to those who dislike science fiction movies in the space venue. It is wildly unrealistic and futuristic, with a traditional distopic view of civilization on earth, but that is what makes a sci-fi film both conventional and captivating, right?

Spacey's HAL-like dialogue is monotone and gives just enough of an uncertain tone that you don't know whether he is friend of foe until the very end. Rockwell is yet again superb, and the story is clever if not a little bit recycled. 8/10 for sci-fi fans, 6/10 if you can't stand space movies.