Sci-Fi Is Back!

During the last 2 month I have been to the cinema twice, and both of those times I was in complete awe of what was on screen. Even better, both of these films were science fiction epics, and even better than that they each represent the opposing ends of great sci-fi. I am (of course) talking about Moon and District 9.

Lets start with Moon:

The first feature by Duncan Jones, who has spent the last 10 years or so working in advertising and refining his directing skills. Although Duncan is David Bowie's son, this film is no Space Oddity. I won't explain the plot here as its easy to find anywhere online (and if you haven't seen it you REALLY, REALLY should), but Duncan has managed to produce a science fiction epic in the style of the 70's classics, and some of his self-proclaimed influences: Silent Running, 2001, Alien, etc.

Moon is charmingly understated, mainly dealing with the protagonist's internal struggles. It isn't effects-heavy, but all of the lunar effects shots were done using miniatures.

I simply cannot emphasise how much Moon impressed me - in a movie climate where for the last few years science fiction has been all about explosions and big budget effects (not that I'm not a fan of these, on the contrary!) Moon is a refreshing breath of fresh air. The fact that Duncan managed to do this with only $5 million is purely an added bonus!

District 9 on the other hand sits at the other end of the spectrum - it is an effects-heavy action sci-fi adventure obviously dealing with big, difficult issues in the kind of bold way only science fiction can - this, combined with the fact that the effects work with the story (and aren't just there for some eye candy) are what makes District 9 really special. I know a lot less about it than Moon, but will definitely be keeping an eye on Neill Blomkamp, who previously directed the Peter Jackson-led Halo movie visual concepts (take a look here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yUcreY0X33k - the man clearly knows what he's doing when it comes to gritty sci-fi). Again, Neill managed to do this all with a budget of $30 million - Michael Bay could learn a thing or two here.

While District 9 has receiving glowing critical reviews and huge box office success ($126 million worldwide thus far), Moon has only had the luxury of the former (although it has earned back its production costs). While Moon's appeal probably isn't as wide as an action-heavy sci-fi epic presented by Peter Jackson, it is a really fantastic film and should be seen by anyone with even a passing interest in film in general. A worldwide viral advertising campaign would probably have helped it a bit more too!

So to sum it all up - if you like film (especially sci-fi), then you simply must see both of these films. Don't wait until they are on DVD either, they are best viewed on the biggest screen you can get into. Lets hope that both Duncan and Neill will have long careers in the movie business - the future of sci-fi is brighter than it has been in a good few years. Roll on Avatar...