IN THE SHADOW OF THE MOON (David Sington). 100 minutes. Opens Friday (September 21). Rating: NNNN
In The Shadow Of The Moon is a documentary for anybody who liked The Right Stuff and Apollo 13 or is just a space fanatic in general. Although it explores no new frontiers – like the dramatic miniseries From The Earth To The Moon, it’s about the Apollo space program – it is a rich and captivating retelling of the story of the only 24 men to visit the moon.
All of the surviving astronauts who made that remarkable journey are interviewed, with the notable exception of Neil Armstrong, who chose not to participate.
Some of them speak matter-of-factly, as though rocketing into space were no different than a morning commute on the 401. Others are still awed by the experience and speak in reverential tones about its life-altering effects.
There’s amazing archival film from NASA. Because it’s real footage and not the product of multi-million-dollar CGI or special effects, a rocket rising slowly from its launch pad in a fiery explosion or the Earth rising over the moon’s horizon evoke fresh wonder.
After seeing this film, you’ll look at the moon a little bit differently.
