Jul 12, 2010
Moon
The hypnotic magnificence of Duncan Jones' "Moon" is the setting of a kind of space-drawn samhain built to support the machines, here harvesters of Helium-3, the latest source of our terrestrial dependency.
Affecting documentary -all of it stock footage- is unveiled as something corporate and cankerous, shortly giving way to the inviting lightness of Clint Mansell's score. The title card features an impressive use of perspective. Placement and persistence of type domineers the narrative as something akin to Kevin Spacey's lilt which plays like HAL 9000 but follows its own heart.
DETAILS
CREDITS
Design & Animation: Molinare
Amazing film. Amazing titles. Clint Mansell is constantly under-appreciated. And yes, the simplicity of the 3D titles works really well as they don’t bounce or move and don’t get in the way. They just accompany the shot.
This effect is starting to become a bit common (see Zombieland) but it’s used elegantly and tastefully here… the treatment isn’t conceptual, per se, but it’s very simple and fits beautifully with the footage.
The text is especially effective when it interacts more directly with the elements in the set that it’s near; I’m a big fan of the “Starring Kevin Spacey” and the “Co-Producer Alex Francis” shots. Some of the others seem a bit disconnected from the surroundings, and I get a little distracted trying to figure out where they are in 3D space… especially on Sam Rockwell’s title, and all the names hovering around the establishing shot of the moon base.
Still, gorgeously done, very subtle, well-integrated, with great pacing on the scenes and exposition.
Beautiful titles. Designed/created by…?
a little bit more information would have been nice. no bad feelings, but you guys spoiled us with so many wonderful, informative articles. this one lacks a bit of depth compared to your standard!
This is one splendid title sequence. The film itself was thought-provoking and Sam Rockwell (and the voice of Kevin Spacey) gave a wonderful performance. Thanks for this.
This effect is definitely a bit overused these days, and I really don’t like this implementation.
Compare to the progenitor Panic Room ( CLICK THERE ——> ) for which the shading, reflections etc were just spot on. Also Fincher’s eye drew him to shots that had a more defined geography/geometry.
Moon seems to just stick them in, and your eye spends a second or two just trying to figure out where in the room they’re floating. A couple of tacky and very implausible shadows don’t help…
This does appear to be a popular approach, less unique. And I second the previous comments that pointed out it is poorly implemented in certain shots. I too was taken out of the film when noticing some of the titles were oddly placed and appeared to be doing their own thing. Off-putting and a mistake.
This film stood on Rockwell. He was perfect.
What font are they using for the credits?
I like the titles, even if they’re somewhat underwhelming and Panic Room-esque.