TODAY'S NUGGET: Moon (2009) - To Avoid "All Flash, No Substance" Sci-Fi, Focus on Behavior

[Quick Summary: Sam, a helium harvester, thinks he's two weeks from going back to earth, but finds out he's not the only one on the moon.]

Q: What question does this film ask?
A: What would it be like if you met yourself?

Q: Why use sci-fi for such a philosophical question? Why does the best sci-fi work?
A: See quote below.*

Q: How do you avoid "all flash, no substance" of small budget, sci-fi films?
A: Focus on behavior.

In the scene below, notice:
- This is typical office hallway scene. 
- However, we are riveted on two characters interacting.  We are not paying attention cool props! cool lighting! cool costumes!

INT. CORRIDOR -- DAY, CONTINUOUS

Sam 2 exits the Parking Bay and removes his helmet. Down the corridor he sees Sam 1 standing outside the Return Vehicle: facing him, waiting.

SAM 2: I saw three more of those jammers. The base is surrounded. I printed out their coordinates --

Sam 2 begins to remove a piece of paper from his pocket, but suddenly stops. He can tell by Sam 1's expression that something has happened.

SAM 2 (CONT'D): What? What is it?

SAM 1: I found your secret room.

WHAT I'VE LEARNED: When in doubt (&/or when sets take up 1/3 of your budget), focus on behavior.

Moon (2009)(12/11/07 shooting script)
by Nathan Parker
Story by Duncan Jones

*From a longer interview with the director:

Science fiction seems like a great way of exploring a lot of philosophical questions.
The beauty of science fiction is that it takes the audience’s guard down; they’re much more willing to open themselves up and allow themselves to be questioned and have their values questioned when they don’t think we’re talking about their world or them and what they’re used to. Put it in a science fiction setting and all of a sudden it’s an other, it’s something completely alien to them, but you can actually talk about something that’s incredibly close and incredibly human and very personal, but because their guard is down they’re more willing to accept it. Which is why I think a lot of the best science fiction literature is stories and ideas that really delve into human nature as opposed to the flash and the sexy sci-fi stuff which is maybe one of the reasons films these days may be taking a step away from that. (my emphasis)