Moon (2009, Dir: Duncan Jones)

In 1969, David Bowie released the song Space Oddity – about a lone astronaut in space. 40 years later, Bowie’s son has directed a film about a lone astronaut on the moon. God knows how Bowie’s grandchild will extend this concept further in 2049...

Moon, directed by Duncan Jones (or Zowie Bowie, as fans of rock trivia may know him) tells the story of Sam Bell (Sam Rockwell), a jobbing space-worker stationed on the far side of the moon to harvest helium. Bell’s only companion is a robot named Gerty (voiced by Kevin Spacey), and that’s about it.

In terms of construction, this film isn’t entirely original. It’s assembled from parts of Alien, 2001: A Space Odyssey and Dark Star, to name just a few. But at least it’s shameless in its influences: the set looks like a side room inside the Nostromo, Bell’s conversations with Gerty reek of the interplay between Dave and Hal; and there’s more than a shed of Sgt. Pinback in the insanity of Sam Bell.

It’s strange – after waiting for decades for a decent British sci-fi to come along, two turn up at once. But where 2007’s Sunshine was a relatively glossy affair, Moon is starkly minimalistic in comparison. We’re not talking Prisoner: Cell Block H production values here – the special effects are awesome, but it’s pretty clear they were reeled off by someone proficient enough to know what they were doing, without resorting to Hollywood-style CGI overkill.

But it’s Sam Rockwell’s film from start to finish. He delivers a powerhouse performance, and with no other actors to bounce off, he’s left with just himself and his android pal to talk to. Rockwell has been a joy to watch in everything he’s been in since he turned up in The Green Mile (however my favourite performance has got to be in Galaxy Quest, as a bit-part actor convinced of his inevitable demise) but Moon gives him the chance to shine, and he takes up the opportunity with relish.

I had the pleasure of watching it with a splitting headache, and I believe this added to the film’s perplexing effect. We’re given subtle clues to the true state of affairs throughout, and as a result you end up connecting the dots at the same time Bell does. It’s also a film that demands a second viewing.

Is there life on Mars? Don’t know but there’s definitely something fishy happening on the moon.