Connect with us
Making Moon: A British Sci-Fi Cult Classic Review

Books

Making Moon: A British Sci-Fi Cult Classic Review

This could serve as a helpful guide to future filmmakers.

[amazon_link asins=’1789091004′ template=’AiPTProductAd’ store=’aiptcomics-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’ed90cfc5-f668-4c7a-a33a-af53c5ef7377′]

The 2009 movie Moon was ahead of its time thanks to its approach. It wasn’t only focused on being a sci-fi movie, though it does a great job capturing an entirely new narrative and world. No, it was also focused on a deep psychological study of a man named Sam (Sam Rockwell) in isolation, greatly anticipating the day he gets to go back to Earth to see his family. As the story pushes forward, we soon learn he’s trapped in a horrific situation where his very identity is put into question.

Moon won various awards, including the BAFTA for best director, and considering the budget was only $5 million one could surmise it was a great success in more ways than one. It’s a big reason why I just had to read and review Making Moon: A British Sci-Fi Cult Classic which is out this week in celebration of the 10 year anniversary of the film.

Making Moon: A British Sci-Fi Cult Classic Review

This book is broken up into 11 sections opening with a foreword by Duncan Jones who has a bit of a Q&A with Gerty. It’s a cute way to ease us into the book and is a nice creative touch. Even the production itself was creative, from financing to miniature work, so it feels fitting. The book covers everything from those miniatures to the score (complete with some notes to play yourself), a focus on Sam Rockwell, visual effects, shooting, the set, and of course the idea of the film. This is a making-of book that will have you reading and paying close attention to the narrative more than the images of the production.

That isn’t to say the images in the book aren’t great, though, because they are. From the cover, with its subtle grooves giving the book an expensive feel, to the various photography, CGI, and copies of scripts riddled with Jones’ notes, there’s a lot to take in. There are sketches too and some shots from scenes not used in the film. I can’t imagine a single thing was missed.

Making Moon: A British Sci-Fi Cult Classic Review

The financial struggle it took to get the film made is probably the most interesting aspect of the book. Simon Ward asks the right questions and probes the process so damn well — there’s plenty of tidbits and interesting reveals to take in. The film is an incredibly creative and interesting tale, but getting the production off the ground was as creative. From the way the production had backers who could write off the film’s losses if it failed as a tax write-off to the touch-and-go nature of locking Rockwell in, there’s so much drama to read over.

I’ve read and reviewed quite a few movie books such as this and this one might have been the best researched. Every aspect of the production is captured and cataloged with such detail I imagine this could serve as a helpful guide to future filmmakers. After reading this I’m even more excited to see what Duncan Jones does with a graphic novel follow up to his Moon trilogy. Pick this up and know you’re in for a wild ride almost as wild as the production going from the first take to Sundance in just a year.

Making Moon: A British Sci-Fi Cult Classic Review
Making Moon: A British Sci-Fi Cult Classic
Is it good?
I've read and reviewed quite a few movie books such as this and this one might have been the best researched. Every aspect of the production is captured and cataloged with such detail I imagine this could serve as a helpful guide to future filmmakers. I'm even more excited to see what Duncan Jones does with a graphic novel follow up to his Moon trilogy. Pick this up and know you're in for a wild ride almost as wild as the production going from the first take to Sundance in just a year.
A thorough job was done to capture the ins and outs of getting this film made
Will make you appreciate the film that much more
Nice mix of art from behind the scenes
I found it slightly surprising Kevin Spacey was glossed over, but it's understandable given all that has been revealed about him
10
Fantastic
Buy Now

Join the AIPT Patreon

Want to take our relationship to the next level? Become a patron today to gain access to exclusive perks, such as:

  • ❌ Remove all ads on the website
  • 💬 Join our Discord community, where we chat about the latest news and releases from everything we cover on AIPT
  • 📗 Access to our monthly book club
  • 📦 Get a physical trade paperback shipped to you every month
  • 💥 And more!
Sign up today
Comments

In Case You Missed It

Marvel unveils the new villains Bloodcoven appearing in 'Blood Hunt' Marvel unveils the new villains Bloodcoven appearing in 'Blood Hunt'

Marvel unveils the new villains Bloodcoven appearing in ‘Blood Hunt’

Comic Books

X-Men Monday #241 - Steve Foxe Talks 'X-Men '97,' 'Dead X-Men,' and 'X-Men: Blood Hunt - Psylocke' X-Men Monday #241 - Steve Foxe Talks 'X-Men '97,' 'Dead X-Men,' and 'X-Men: Blood Hunt - Psylocke'

X-Men Monday #241 – Steve Foxe Talks ‘X-Men ’97,’ ‘Dead X-Men,’ and ‘X-Men: Blood Hunt – Psylocke’

Comic Books

Films to check out at SXSW Films to check out at SXSW

Films to check out at SXSW

Movies

'X-Men' #35 (LGY #700) is the final farewell to the Krakoan Age 'X-Men' #35 (LGY #700) is the final farewell to the Krakoan Age

‘X-Men’ #35 (LGY #700) is the final farewell to the Krakoan Age

Comic Books

Connect
Newsletter Signup