Far Side of the Moon

Far Side of the Moon is a noteworthy piece of Canadian filmmaking from the mind of the multi-talented Robert Lepage, who serves as its writer, director, and leading star. Lauded for its intense psychological exploration, indelible visual effects, and contemplative storyline, the film manages to blend elements of autobiographical drama with visual virtuosity that confronts profound philosophies about life, identity, and the universe that surrounds us.

Set against the backdrop of 1960s Quebec, Canada during the Space Race between the United States and the Soviet Union, Far Side of the Moon reflects on how this historical event maps onto the personal lives of two dissimilar brothers who are grappling with the loss of their mother and their opposing world views.

Robert Lepage, in a compelling twin-performance, portrays both brothers: Philippe, an introverted and detail-oriented Ph.D. student in philosophy who yearns for contact with extra-terrestrial life, and Andre, his extroverted yet directionless younger brother with a knack for appearing on television, who is skeptical of Philippe's aloof fixations. The interplay between these two characters serves as the film's primary source of conflict and conversation, unveiling a consideration of introspection versus connection, mediocrity versus ambition, and imagination versus reality.

Anne-Marie Cadieux also contributes a crucial performance as the enigmatic television producer who becomes an object of intrigue for Philippe, while Marco Poulin plays a minor but significant role. Their performances provide pivotal balances and sounding boards to the complex dynamic between the two brothers, offering multiple perspectives on the themes in play.

Cloaked in a chillingly beautiful palette of washed-out whites and steely blues, Far Side of the Moon creates a palpably austere yet deeply introspective atmosphere. This color scheme is employed to striking effect during Philippe's frequent encounters with the visuals of the Apollo Space Missions, and during the sequences that illustrate his poignant childhood memories. The temple-like silence that cloaks much of the film, punctuated occasionally by soft instrumental notes, cultivates an invigorating contrast — a yearning for connection in the midst of vast and cold emptiness.

A centerpiece of Robert Lepage’s work is the use of mirrors and reflective surfaces which cleverly underscore the duality explored throughout the film, between the brothers, between earth and space, between inner and outer self. Lepage masterfully constructs a visual and narrative mise-en-scene that is as reflective as the surfaces that frequently appear in his frames. The film employs mirrors not only as a device to intensify the physical and emotional isolation of the characters, but also as a philosophical trope to ponder the vast universe's reflection of our inner cosmos.

Far Side of the Moon also effectively employs special effects and imaginative visuals to heighten the dreamlike atmosphere and convey the brothers’ contrasting perceptions of reality. Whether it's the quiet and ethereal imagery of space, a seemingly mundane washing machine transforming into a space module, or the vast city streets impersonating the barren lunar surface, every frame and movement in the film is charged with symbolic potential, moving the viewer to engage in reflective contemplation.

At its heart, Far Side of the Moon is a deeply insightful and viscerally human narrative that offers a remarkable exploration of existential questions. It demonstrates how sometimes the greatest discoveries lie not thousands of light years away, but within the confines of our own selves, our relationships, and our reconciliations with past traumas.

With an arresting mixture of philosophical ponderings, compelling characters, and beautifully conceptualized images, Far Side of the Moon encourages viewers to embark on a sublime journey through the galaxies of human emotion and cognition. Unafraid of ambiguity or complexity, it asserts itself as a contemplative and profound piece of science-infused, existential cinema. Its unique combination of ambitious philosophical striving and deeply authentic character study results in a film experience that is as intriguing as it is rewarding.