Source Code Review

Duncan Jones burst onto the scene back in 2009 when his low budget science fiction film Moon made a spalsh at many festivals worldwide. The film was brilliant. It didn't look like it cost five million pounds, it looked like a summer blockbuster. But that wasn't the best thing about it. For a first time director, Jones was able to create a world and make it feel not only original but interesting aswell. The film was steered by an astounding performance from Sam Rockwell. Who was easily robbed for a Best Actor nomination at the oscars that year. So after a marvellous start, Duncan Jones returns with his second film. Source Code.

Source Code is a science ficiton thriller about an army pilot called Colter Stevens (Jake Gyllenhaal). Who awakes to find himself not in Afghanistan but on a a train heading towards the Chicago. He then learns that he is not himself. In fact, he is Sean Fentress. He sits across from Christina Warren (Michelle Monaghan) who seems to know him .The train then explodes and he awakes again to find himself inside a machine called the Source Code. He is told by Goodwin (Vera Farmiga) that he will be sent back in to find out who bombed the train. That's as far as I am willing to go in spoilers. Just the basic premise. It would be better if you just saw the film yourself.

So the film plays out repeating the same eight minutes over and over again. Each time making it more interesting than the last, this is where the script and editing should be applauded. It was fantastic, to keep showing the audience the same eight minutes and make it not only relevant but to make it not repetitive should be commended. Vantage Point used this same concept and failed miserbaly. Jones should also be congratulated for controlling these elements.

The acting in the film is solid across the board and Jake Gyllenhaal is fantastic. Him and Monaghan have a onscreen presence that is kinetic to say the least.Vera Farmiga is very good too, but when isn't she? The film flies by at ninety minutes and has great action and suspense. It also has an emotional heart, which some will appreciate. The film just works so well and as a second film is very impressive. Source Code is just a great popcorn science ficiton thriller with enough heart and smarts to not make it stupid and soppy. Duncan Jones has solidified himself as a science ficiton director to watch. I have a feeling there is more to come from this man. He has said that his next project won't be Mute but another original science fiction project. I say give him a big budget and let him be as creative as possible. Let's see what he can create!

8/10