Moon: A Few Words

I cannot call myself a legitimate fan of the science fiction genre. In the last two decades there are only two films in the genre that I found particularly excellent. The sleeper hit 2002 Minority Report and 1997’s underrated Gattaca. Still, I’m not biased against science fiction. It just doesn’t make me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

                     

Moon functions as a scientific drama but it also delves into some interesting psychological themes. The issue of cloning has been examined oftentimes but Moon lucks out. Cloning does present an important aspect of the film, but Jones treads so lightly that we never find it overbearing. The film rises above that managing to somehow explore larger themes. Sam Rockwell is faced with the taslk of grounding the entire film. Sure, Kevin Spacey’s effective voice is used but I cannot remember since Spencer Tracy in The Old Man & the Sea when I’ve been so riveted by a performer in isolation essentially interacting with themselves.

But then, despite the obvious goodness of his performance I could not fall in love with the film. I can’t put my finger on it; perhaps it’s that elusive subjectivity of human nature. There is a thin line between being subtle and engendering confusion and to an extent Moon got a bit too esoteric at times. It was all done in good faith; I’m sure. But still, the issue remains. Moon is a good film though; don’t let the seemingly taciturn words fool you. Sam Rockwell is just great in so many ways belying what until now has been a somewhat spotty career. The moon is definitely worthy experience. Take a walk on it.
           
B