searching for long-range comms

Rating: 9/10 (22 November 2009)

A compelling sci-fi in the cerebral mode of 2001 and Solaris (with a hint of Ishiguro thematically), Moon explores themes of loneliness, belonging and identity in an intriguing and entertaining fashion.
Sam is the sole worker on a mining complex on the dark side of the moon. Approaching the end of his three-year shift, his isolation is exacerbated by technical problems hitting the link to his earthly wife and child. He is left with only GERTY to talk to, his HAL-like computer.
Sam Rockwell nails all aspects of the put-upon astronaut, who swings episodically between rage, bewilderment, despair and enchantment. Jones handles pacing and plotting impeccably. Spacey voicing of GERTY is both eerie and comforting.
Like most films, the less you know about the premise of this one, the better. Destined to be a classic of the genre.