Post by sherlew (Ret) on Jul 10, 2009 9:29:22 GMT -6
Review: Intelligent 'Moon' upends expectations about sci-fi
By Christy Lemire, THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Link
"Moon" does something extraordinary: It seems familiar and derivative, yet upends your expectations about science fiction and surprises you over and over. Melancholy and mesmerizing, equal parts mystery and character drama, it keeps you guessing until the end.
The intelligent, assured debut from director Duncan Jones -- David Bowie's son, though we won't have to describe him in terms of his famous father for much longer -- harkens to the fundamentals of the genre, in which people and provocative ideas mattered more than shiny gadgets and splashy effects. The fact that it's anchored by a subtle yet powerful performance from Sam Rockwell in two separate roles -- he's practically the entire cast -- is a prime example of this back-to-basics approach. Rockwell stars as Sam Bell, an astronaut in the near future living in a station on the far side of the moon. He's about to wrap up his three-year contract mining helium, the Earth's main energy source, and he's eager to get home to his wife and little girl. One day, amid his daily routine, he starts seeing and hearing things and his health begins to deteriorate.
The base's computer, Gerty (voiced by Kevin Spacey), listens and tries to be sympathetic, tries to assuage him. But then Sam sees another version of himself: younger, fitter, more organized and businesslike.
The character itself provides much of the film's allure (Nathan Parker wrote the script from Jones' story idea): Is this a clone? Or is the second Sam a figment of his imagination, a product of his isolation? You can interpret it any number of ways.
The haunting score from Clint Mansell, longtime collaborator of Darren Aronofsky, adds to the mood and will stay with you afterward.
Zbutton AMC Loews Waterfront, Destinta Chartiers, Regent Square
[Too bad this is a limited release. Will be looking for it on DVD later.]
By Christy Lemire, THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Link
"Moon" does something extraordinary: It seems familiar and derivative, yet upends your expectations about science fiction and surprises you over and over. Melancholy and mesmerizing, equal parts mystery and character drama, it keeps you guessing until the end.
The intelligent, assured debut from director Duncan Jones -- David Bowie's son, though we won't have to describe him in terms of his famous father for much longer -- harkens to the fundamentals of the genre, in which people and provocative ideas mattered more than shiny gadgets and splashy effects. The fact that it's anchored by a subtle yet powerful performance from Sam Rockwell in two separate roles -- he's practically the entire cast -- is a prime example of this back-to-basics approach. Rockwell stars as Sam Bell, an astronaut in the near future living in a station on the far side of the moon. He's about to wrap up his three-year contract mining helium, the Earth's main energy source, and he's eager to get home to his wife and little girl. One day, amid his daily routine, he starts seeing and hearing things and his health begins to deteriorate.
The base's computer, Gerty (voiced by Kevin Spacey), listens and tries to be sympathetic, tries to assuage him. But then Sam sees another version of himself: younger, fitter, more organized and businesslike.
The character itself provides much of the film's allure (Nathan Parker wrote the script from Jones' story idea): Is this a clone? Or is the second Sam a figment of his imagination, a product of his isolation? You can interpret it any number of ways.
The haunting score from Clint Mansell, longtime collaborator of Darren Aronofsky, adds to the mood and will stay with you afterward.
Zbutton AMC Loews Waterfront, Destinta Chartiers, Regent Square
[Too bad this is a limited release. Will be looking for it on DVD later.]