Dark side of the Moon

Rating: 6/10 (26 July 2009)

Here is an engrossing intelligent small film that repays a bit of knowledge of its genre. Referening a host of the 70s cult sci-fi films (Dark Star, Silent Running, Solaris, Outlands, Alien, Blade Runner, 2001 etc.) we are given what appears to be a man and his robot minding a corporate lunar mining venture.
With a Clint Mansell soundtrack, (which I'm listening to on Spotify), this film sounds great. Unfortunately it sometimes looks a little sub par because, well, the limited budget. You will wince a little at the use of miniatures for the outside moon shots. But stay with.
Sci-fi has always been used to explore social politics, and this film touches on various borderline issues but in a fairly close, emotional and involving way. Which is why maybe Silent Running is its true parent.
In order to deliver the homage, we do get the old pat and outdated clichés; corporates are all bad, computers can understand humans, unnecessary countdowns etc. This doesn't stop the enjoyment, but makes me appreciate the recent well financed TV series sci-fi for taking the time to push the envelope a bit. I hope the producers trust the makers with a touch more cash to really make something a bit bigger.