Closer to the Moon

Closer to the Moon is an intriguing movie that successfully blends drama with elements of comedy. This exciting film, released in 2014, was skillfully directed by Romanian filmmaker Nae Caranfil and starred renowned actors such as Vera Farmiga, Mark Strong, and Harry Lloyd. Set in the period of post-World War II Romania, when the nation was becoming increasingly enchained by its communist regime, the movie offers the audience a compelling narrative that is both historically driven and personally engaging.

The film revolves around the extraordinary true story of Max Rosenthal (played by Mark Strong), who formerly led a Jewish group of intellectuals and was recognized for his assistance in the resistance against the Nazis. After the war, as the new communist regime takes control, Max and his accomplished group find themselves disillusioned by the idealistic promises of their newly formed government. This disillusionment propels the group of idealists into conducting the most daring heist of the period.

Leading his privileged team, which includes his ex-wife, Alice (Vera Farmiga), and his close friends Ralph (Mark White) and Dumi (Tim Plester), Max publicly robs the National Bank of Romania. The audacious robbery is masqueraded as a film shoot, fooling the bystanders into becoming uncomplicated witnesses and enthusiastic extras. It's an incredible, gutsy act of resistance, made even more implausible by the sheer novelty of their approach.

However, the group's triumph is short-lived. Instead of escaping with their bounty and running away, they willingly give themselves up to the authorities after the act. This unexpected twist reveals their disdain and derision for the manipulated system and the shrewd manipulation of media in shaping public opinions.

Upon their arrest, the group receives an unusual punishment. Ordered by the state-controlled film studio, they are instructed to recreate their bank heist for a propagandist film, a farcical set-up that is supposed to showcase them as the state's villains. This movie-within-a-movie plot is masterfully unraveled, providing viewers with a humorous and sharp critique of the peculiarly cruel media manipulation by totalitarian regimes.

Mark Strong delivers a riveting performance as Max, wonderfully incorporating his character's brazen audacity, intellectual prowess, and biting wit. Vera Farmiga, as his talented and estranged ex-wife Alice, adds to the narrative's emotional depth, creating a complex dynamic between her and Max, and the whole ideological group at large.

An important subplot involves the character of Virgil (played by Harry Lloyd), an idealistic young film student who is assigned by the state to direct the propaganda film. Torn between his loyalty to the regime and his growing admiration and sympathy for Max and his team, Virgil forms the crucial link between the audience and the protagonist's cause. His moral dilemmas further highlight the absurdity and the profound tragedy of the characters' circumstances.

The backdrop of communist Romania is meticulously captured in the film, not only in terms of physical spaces with vintage cars, old cityscapes, and period costumes, but also in terms of the psychological space of heightened fear, suspicion, and repression. Through its representation of the period, Closer to the Moon paints a vivid picture of a time when intellectualism became a liability, freedom of expression was curtailed, and truth was mired in propaganda and state control.

Overall, Closer to the Moon is an evocative historical drama combined with elements of whimsical absurdity, satire, and biting wit, even in the face of unimaginable circumstances. It portrays courage, friendship, and personal sacrifice, offering audiences an insight into the human spirit's tenacity. The film successfully provokes thought, stirs emotion, and, above all, keeps viewers engaged with its mixture of suspense, comedy, and historical commentary. It's a beautifully filmed piece of cinema that shines a light on a fascinating and tragic chapter in history while exploring universal themes of freedom, truth, and the power of the human spirit.