Moon
I totally would not have expected that! After all, it’s only been a few weeks since I saw “Source Code”, and I was only mildly impressed. When Duncan Jones says that he has worked all his ideas into “Moon”, I totally believe that. (Side note, the interview is actually quite interesting to read; I had to laugh when he mentioned how he hated graduate school at Vanderbilt.) Apart from certain stylistic similarities and the simple but straightforward, gripping storytelling, “Source Code” is nothing like “Moon”. It seems like somebody actually put thoughts into “Moon” whereas “Source Code” just feels like it’s a more or less interesting story turned into a blockbuster.
One aspect that is really nice about “Moon” is how it is totally not pretentious. Looks-wise, it evokes films like “2001” and “Blade Runner”, but it never even attempts to confuse the viewer or pose a question it cannot answer. Even though “Moon” brings the very general “Who are we? What does it mean to be human?” question, we are shown merely an aspect of human life, namely in a state of complete loneliness and in confrontation with their own clone. On the one hand, I would have wished that Jones had exploited more questions, and more facets of the premise, but on the other hand, I am really glad that he chose to opt for doing one relatively simple thing right.
I have had a hard time remembering another science fiction film which I thought was better than “Moon”, and that is surprising because I wouldn’t actually say that the film blew me away. Maybe movies are just not the perfect medium for science fiction. I feel like books are better both in terms of how much detail and thought you can convey with them, as well as their ability to let the readers’ imagination flow. Ultimately, I personally think that films show too much.
Without a doubt, I really liked the film. I wholeheartedly recommend it, especially if you are into science fiction. Unless I see it again and come to the conclusion that the film really is better than other science fiction, I would probably say that it’s a little bit below the level of my all-time favorites. Which says a lot!
Hm, I never did watch 2001 and Blade Runner in its entirety. But Moon did seem straightforward enough thanks to its “minimalist” setting. It might be interesting to see the follow-up movie, if it sees the light of day, that is.
I’m on the verge between “I have to see this so right now” and “I have to keep my expectations to a certain level, because otherwise they cannot be fulfilled.”
Oh, and I’m watching Source Code in cinema tonight. XD
@MrMayat: I would like to see the follow-up, though I wonder what else you can do. I recall Duncan Jones saying somewhere that he has put all his ideas into this movie, and I find it incredibly great as stand-alone right now. We will see! I would definitely want to see the follow-up.
@Shii: You have to see this right now. :D “Moon” might not be an immediate favorite, but I know nothing, absolutely nothing bad that could be said about this film.