Moon: An Underrated Masterpiece

Moon (2009) is a movie most of you have probably never heard of, much less seen. However, this does not mean any less that you should see it. The plot, in summary, is this: A single man, Sam (Sam Rockwell), is stationed on the moon to man its alternate energy production. His only companion is an artificial intelligence installed in the base. Sam is involved in an accident and wakes up back at the moon station. He starts to experience strange happenings and his mind seems to be breaking down. Beyond this, I cannot explain more as it would spoil the surprise of the movie.
Sam Rockwell’s performance in this is Oscar-worthy, but as it is a British-produced, independent film, it has gained no such recognition. Rockwell portrays perfectly a man who has been in what is essentially solitary confinement for three years and realistically chronicles a possible psychological breakdown. Kevin Spacey stars as the voice of GERTY, the station’s artificial intelligence, and in this role he is perfectly suited with his trademark voice. Beyond these two actors, only one of which is physically portrayed, the film features almost no other people. This in particular lends a very solitary, otherwordly air to the film which evokes strong emotions and helps make the film’s theme even stronger.
The score by Clint Mansell is appropriately haunting and atmospheric. From the vast lunar exploration to the intense personal confrontations in this film, the music very tightly adheres to the ideas presented. In all, this movie is a fantastic exploration of loneliness and the true meaning of humanity. I can’t, for obvious reasons, disclose exactly how it investigates these themes, but this film is truly a must-see.

Moon is rated R for language.