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In 2009, first-time director Duncan Jones wowed audiences with his brilliantly sparse indie sci-fi drama, .nightsandweekends.com/articles/09/NW0900330.php>Moon. The film’s critical acclaim then gave the young director a bigger budget to play with for the follow-up—which could have proven to be either a blessing or a curse. But, even with its larger cast and big-budget effects, Jones manages to give Source Code the same intimate, personal feel that made Moon such a powerful film.
The story revolves around Captain Colter Stevens (Jake Gyllenhaal), a U.S. soldier who’s working with an experimental military project known as Beleaguered Castle. His mission takes him inside another man’s body to investigate the bombing of a train in Chicago—a bombing that could be just the first in a series of attacks on the city unless he can identify the bomber.
With each visit to this parallel reality, Stevens has just eight minutes to investigate before the train explodes, so he has to move quickly. But, in the process, he finds himself caring for the doomed passengers—especially Christina (Michelle Monaghan), his alter ego’s friend.
At first glance, Source Code seems like just another big-budget thriller with a sci-fi twist—Inception meets Groundhog Day, perhaps. And, really, there’s nothing wrong with that—because it makes for an entertaining movie. The scenario is fascinating—and even though there are random scientific theories and discoveries at work in the story, it feels completely natural. Instead of getting distracted by the details, you’ll soon find yourself engrossed in the story—and in Gyllenhaal’s convincing performance.
Meanwhile, the possibility of more bombings gives the mission a sense of urgency, which also helps to give the film plenty of suspense. And there’s a touch of romance, too, as Stevens tries to balance his mission with his complicated feelings for his traveling companion.
But the film and its mysteries go so much deeper than what’s happening on the train. It’s also a story about Stevens. On one hand, he’s racing to complete his mission, learning a little bit more with each journey back onto the train. He’s also struggling with his feelings for his fellow passengers—who, he’s constantly reminded, are already dead. Over and over again, he watches them live their last moments.
At the same time, though—between his experiences on the train—Stevens is also dealing with issues with his surroundings and his handlers (played by Vera Farmiga and Jeffrey Wright). And those situations make the film so much more personal—and even emotional—than the average action movie.
So you may have missed Duncan Jones’s indie debut (though, if you have, I highly recommend checking it out)—but don’t make the mistake of missing his follow-up. It’s a smart and thrilling adventure that will stay with you long after you leave the theater.
