Finally, the curtains are coming off and “Moon” is revealing itself. Previously an enigma, the film is set in a futuristic time period—it’s a science fiction prophecy like Stanley Kubrick’s “2001.”
At this point, Earth has discovered energy on the moon, and this is where Sam Rockwell is stationed to collect air tanks of it. He has a HAL-like friendly computer along with him: Kevin Spacey voices it, capturing the sedated and familiar feel of computers past. From the trailer, it’s unclear whether or not the computer comes into play, but like all films that follow the sci-fi template, you can probably guess.
The trailer reveals the one central event that turns the picture on its head (we’re surprised it shows so much frankly), and that’s when Rockwell finds the odd duplicate of himself and the crux of the film begins…
Today’s girlish fanboy frisson at the trailer’s appearance is slightly annoying though. The rave reviews for the film (or simply the trailer) feel like they’re coming from unlettered folks who have never seen a Kubrick film (and or the archetype that has never strayed over the years). “Moon” — a fine film we saw at SXSW — is strong and affecting, the Clint Mansell score is particularly excellent, Sam Rockwell is great too, but claims that the film is a modern masterpiece is pure sci-fi enthusiast hyberole and overstatement that we feel we must put in check as there is certainly no reinvention of the wheel here.
“Moon” is directed by Duncan Jones, the son of David Bowie and is due in theaters in June 12, in limited release. The poster comes courtesy of Rope Of Silicon. – Nick Duval
