Movie Review: Bravura Performance Reaches the Moon

By Eric Van Uffelen
Contributing Writer

Moon focuses on Sam Bell, contracted to serve three years alone on the moon, mining “Helium 3,” which accounts for the majority of the revitalized Earth’s energy supply.  The impressive feature directorial debut from Duncan Jones (working from his own story and the resulting screenplay by Nathan Parker), Moon is an intricate, nuanced character study in a science fiction setting that allows for the uniqueness of true isolation – and the psychological and philosophical quandaries that arise when conflict is introduced.  Though the production design, cinematography, and score are remarkable and truly serve the story, the film belongs to star Sam Rockwell, whose performance is a tour de force.

I should point out that I am a fan of Rockwell (from supporting work in such films as The Hitchhiker’s Guide to The Galaxy, Matchstick Men, The Green Mile, and yes, Charlie’s Angels, to lead roles in less-widely released fare as Confessions of a Dangerous Mind and Choke), and I have never used the term “tour de force” – he is just that incredible in Moon.  He is definitely deserving of an Oscar nomination for Best Actor.

The story opens with Bell two weeks away from fulfilling his contract with Lunar Industries and being able to return home, and though he is understandably haggard and lonely, a good deal of spirit shines through from what seems to be his natural positive attitude and his simple eagerness to get back.  He remains the diligent worker and works past the brief, mysterious hallucinations he begins to have.

Then, of course, something happens that changes everything.

I don’t wish to divulge anything further about the plot – no spoilers lie ahead – but I will say that Jones and Rockwell have crafted an intelligent film that pays dues to the sci-fi genre (including Kevin Spacey doing his best HAL 9000 as the voice of Gerty, the robot who assists Sam and keeps him company in the lunar station), delivering on the potential of the set-up – with humor, thrills, and action – while forging something moving and haunting, all without belaboring the themes that lie beneath the revealed storyline.  This is a work that allows the audience to think about the possibilities of what’s presented in the story, and the nature of human existence beyond the film proper.  Writing anything more explicit in a review about the many areas of discussion I thought of would be a disservice to those who go to see this work, but suffice to say that the film satisfies in the immediate while providing ample topics to think about later.  Rockwell is perfectly cast; I cannot think of another actor who could accomplish the things he must as this character so successfully – part of this relies on his documented ability to have fun in his own character’s head, but he is also challenged beyond any sort of “habits” his detractors may note to truly deliver an extraordinary performance.

Moon runs 1 hour, 37 minutes; a comfortable, lived-in pace is established during the set-up, giving you a sense of Sam’s time and duties during his three years, then the pacing escalates after the conflict is introduced, while maintaining time for proper reflection and character development.

Eric Van Uffelen works in the School of Pharmacy.