Moon

More about the book

One of the most acclaimed debut features of this century, Moon (2009) tells the story of Sam Bell (Sam Rockwell), who mines Helium-3 on the dark side of the moon and encounters his doppelgänger. Director and co-writer Duncan Jones explores ethical questions with philosophical depth, drawing inspiration from 1970s and 1980s science fiction films like Silent Running, Soylent Green, Logan's Run, Alien, and Outland. The film invites various interpretations, much like the moon's significance throughout human history. Brian Robb's Constellation volume begins with an overview of Jones' early filmmaking influences and past depictions of the moon in science fiction. It provides a production history, highlighting how the constraints of British low-budget filmmaking foster creativity and shape the team's vision for the future. Subsequent chapters delve into themes of isolation and identity, questioning what defines a human being and how differing experiences affect each Sam Bell clone. The work also explores theological issues, focusing on curiosity and investigation. Finally, the critical reception of Moon is analyzed, considering how its themes were further developed in Jones' subsequent film, Source Code (2011).