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SYNOPSIS:
Sam Bell (Sam Rockwell) is nearing the completion of his 3-year-long contract with Lunar Industries, mining Earth's primary source of energy on the dark side of the moon. Alone with only the base's vigilant computer Gerty (voiced by Oscar-Winner Kevin Spacey, 1999 Best Actor, American Beauty) as his sole companion, Bell's extended isolation has taken its toll. His only link to the outside world comes from satellite messages from his wife and young daughter. He longs to return home, but a terrible accident on the lunar surface leads to a disturbing discovery that contributes to his growing sense of paranoia and dislocation so many miles away from home.
MOVIE
REVIEW:
While ugly blue creatures from a certain
distant planet called Pandora rejoice over the nominations
of the 82nd Academy Awards, we mourn that this wonderful science
fiction movie wasn’t recognized in any category by the
Oscars. Well, to be fair, it also takes place in a distant
planet called the moon (and it actually exists, buggers),
and it’s got more heart than that little movie directed
by a certain James Cameron, Don’t fret Dunan Jones (son
of musician David Bowie), keep your visionary style in filmmaking,
and you’d be recognized one day.
In his debut feature, Jones tells the story
of Sam Bell, who is the only occupant of a manufacturing facility
based on the moon. He only has three weeks left in his three
year contract, and he is looking forward to the day when he
can finally go home. You know how loneliness can result in
insanity – Bell is often talking to himself and his
plants, as he only has a computer assistant named Gerty for
company. When an accident happens, he realises that he is
not alone on the planet, and the world he lives in isn’t
as simple as he thinks.
We have seen quite a number of films exploring
the nature of human existence, but this one manages to knock
us out completely. First, we’ve got Sam Rockwell (Frost/Nixon,
Choke) who excellently translates the desperation of human
loneliness so well, we feel upset that he didn’t get
many acting nominations during the awards season. Then, the
ingenious idea of getting Kevin Spacey (21, Fred Claus) to
voice the computer assistant is spot on. The design of the
cheeky emoticon Gerty is a smart move by the filmmakers, especially
when the production design of the 97 minute film is top notch.
The compelling cinematography and set design draws viewers
into the world faced by the astronaut who has seemingly lost
his mind. The stark and cold colours of the film are a wonderful
complement to the storytelling structure. And the mind blowing
score composed by Clint Mansell (Requiem for a Dream) is a
must listen.
Most
importantly, when a film makes you think and ponder, it has
worked as an intellectual medium to provoke afterthoughts.
And you can be sure that this smart and thoughtful production
will have you wondering about your own existence on this planet.
The artistically brooding feel of the film creates an inventively
nifty piece which will spark poignant discussions that benefit
your very way of life as a human being. That, our dear readers,
is something we didn’t get in the other blockbuster
movie getting all the limelight at the upcoming Oscars.
SPECIAL FEATURES :
This Code 3 DVD contains similarly mind blowing extras.
There are two commentaries here. The first Commentary
with Writer/ Director Duncan Jones, Director of Photography
Gary Shaw, Concept Designer Gavin Rothery and Production Designer
Tony Noble manages to squeeze four people in the
recording studio to talk about the making of the independent
film. How they put this excellent movie together is admirable,
and it’s always charming to hear British accented English.
The second Commentary with Commentary with Writer/
Director Duncan Jones and Producer Stuart Fenegan discusses
the conceptual idea behind the duo’s first feature film.
We definitely hope to see more from the duo.
“Whistle”
A Short Film By Duncan Jones is a 28 minute piece
the director made in 2002. In this story which also explores
the human condition, you can see where the talent was grown
some eight years ago. The 11 minute Creating the Visual
Effects brings you behind the scenes where you can
see how Rockwell plays table tennis with himself, amongst
other innovative visual effects. The 21 minute Science
Centre Q & A with Director Duncan Jones is a
recording of a March 2009 screening, and fellow filmmakers
can watch this to be inspired by the intellectual stimulations
of independent filmmaking. The Filmmaker’s Q
& A at the Sundance Film Festival is another
encouraging speech made by the philosophy graduate which will
have fans of independent cinema cheering the man on. Rounding
up the platter of extras is, well, Trailers
for big budgeted Hollywood blockbusters like 2012 and Terminator
Salvation.
AUDIO/VISUAL:
The
visual transfer of the movie is pristine, while you can choose
to watch the show in English, Portuguese, Thai 5.1 Dolby Digital
or Spanish Dolby Surround audio tracks.
MOVIE RATING:
 
DVD
RATING :
Review
by John Li
Posted on 8 February 2010
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