Trapped... In The Moon

Rating: Null/10 (3 March 2010)

Duncan Jones's 'Moon' is perhaps THE most underrated movie of 2009. Not that I consider these film awards highly credible but how can an obviously remarkable movie like this one get overlooked? Jones's film pays homage to many sci-fi classics but 'Moon' is very much its own film as the story is original.
Made under a tight budget, Jones has used models rather than depend completely on CGI and that only gives 'Moon' a rather authentic look than the CGI world one has so often witnessed in other sci-fi films. That said, the special effects department have done a terrific job in being minimal and subtle. The score is also very subtle and highly effective. The sets are simplistic but they really capture the detachment of the atmosphere and the loneliness and sense of isolation of Sam Bell. Jones has put a lot of heart into the writing while Parker has done a great job with the screenplay.
Jones specifically wrote the part of Sam Bell for Sam Rockwell and what a gift and honour it must be for an actor to have someone write a movie especially for him. It's a bit disappointing that Rockwell's tour du force performance has been criminally overlooked as it's easily one of the best (if not THE best) performances of the year (easily beats 'Hurt Locker's Jeremy Renner and maybe even 'Up In The Air's George Clooney).
'Moon' certainly isn't your average science fiction film. There are no aliens or explosions or save-the-world missions. It's been a while since I had seen an original science fiction film since 'Sunshine' and then comes 'Moon' like a breath of fresh air, a movie that is exhilarating, poignant and inspiring.