Moon (2009)

Premise: Sam Bell is a contractor on a three-year lunar mission when an accident occurs that changes his life.

Stars: Sam Rockwell

Story: Sam Bell is an astronaut on a three-year contract to extract helium-3 from the dark side of the moon. Helium-3 is a resource used by the company Lunar Industries that provides energy to the Earth. Due to the heavy automation on the base where he is assigned, Sam is the only human employee; he works with a sophisticated computer system named GERTY, that provides companionship. With Sam's contract nearing the end, he looks forward to leaving the base, but begins to hallucinate that he sees or hears other people in the base.

On an excursion to check on one of the automated crawlers that retrieve helium-3, an accident occurs and Sam is injured. He awakens on the base and makes a discovery that changes the nature of his mission.

Review: This is a great piece of science fiction. From the lunar base with its realistic interiors and exteriors to the equipment Bell uses to attempt to contact others, it enforces the sense of claustrophobia present in the film. Add in the lack of human interaction due to faulty communication equipment, and the isolation of Bell is clear to the audience.

Rockwell puts in another great performance - I honestly believe he's one of the best actors going today. From his performance as Guy in GalaxyQuest to roles in Matchstick Men and The Green Mile, Rockwell really knows his art. Here, Sam Bell's anticipation of going home, his frustration with the faulty equipment, the longing in missing his family are etched in his face and actions.

Likewise, after the discovery of how the base has truly been a one-man effort for years, the confrontation and conversations between Bell and his clone show the effect of isolation upon both of them. Without the typical hysterical blow-up that usually accompanies such self-realization and utter despair, Rockwell remains true to his character's strengths - rationality and dedication. He sets out to right the wrongs done in the name of science and industry, as well as save himself from the company agents coming to "clean up" the situation.

The film is a character study piece, but with the strengths of Rockwell's acting and the low-key nature of its message (until the end), it's a great piece to watch.

Overall: Good

Other Sites: Wikipedia * IMDb * AllMovie * Rotten Tomatoes