Send in the Clones: 'Moon' rocks

June 23, 10:10 PMLA Movie ExaminerJim Luksic

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Sam Rockwell feels lost in space. (AP)

As an “indie” movie that opened nearly two weeks ago, Moon may not be long for this world. But this mysterious sci-fi drama, highly anticipated in this corner, is an ingenious bit of business that demands attention.

The surface story: A moon colonist (Sam Rockwell of Heist and Frost/Nixon) thinks he’s on the verge of returning to Earth – where his family awaits – until he falls ill after an accident.

Kevin Spacey, heard but not seen, lends his monotone voice as the wounded astronaut’s computer friend Gerty -- not unlike Hal in 2001: A Space Odyssey, but modernized with facial emoticons and Post-It notes. Our hero grows weary of Gerty’s cautionary requests (“You think too much, pal.”)

Audience interest rarely flags as suspense builds and unusual circumstances come forth: What’s with the clone of our moon miner? Are the powers-that-be possibly blocking vital signals and playing mind games? (It’s probably no coincidence the initials of the employer’s name – Lunar Industries – would be pronounced “Lie.”)

Helmet on or off, Rockwell pushes onward with a career-crowning effort of superb physicality; his performance looks as rewarding as it was draining.

British filmmaker Duncan Jones, who co-penned the piece with Nathan Parker, was heretofore an unproven commodity. Poised behind the cameras, however, Jones is in total control – imaginative and confident. And Gary Shaw’s cinematography is unequivocally gorgeous. Mission accomplished, indeed.