The exploration of time, space and identity are put under the microscope in Moon, a cinematic cross between a sci-fi and Hitchcockian thriller. Writer/Director Duncan Jones will have you questioning what is real and what is imagined up until the shocking ending.
Sam Rockwell gives an award-winning performance as Sam Bell, an astronaut finishing his three-year assignment on the moon. His only companion: a robot named Gerty (voiced by Kevin Spacey) who shows emotion through disturbing facial expressions on a yellow smiley face. While on an exploratory mission, Sam has an accident and wakes up in the infirmary to realize that something has inexplicably changed.
Once Sam awakens, the movie enters a Twilight Zone-like state. Sam is no longer alone on the moon and he doesn’t know if he can trust either himself or his newfound companion. He begins to question if he will ever return home and if things will ever be the same. Director Jones makes full use of incredible background shots of the moon and the earth to enhance Sam’s sense of isolation. The images enable the viewer to toggle between the beautiful space station exterior and the chilling events that are occurring within the station. Rockwell’s tour-de-force performance is a must-see. With minimal casting, and maximum images, rush to your nearest theater for this limited release!
Grade: A-
In The Spotlight: Moon
