The 60s Soviet-American space race plays a big part in Far Side of the Moon, a poignant drama about two brothers looking inward after their mother's death. Philip and Andre (both played by director Robert Lepage) are brothers who are polar opposites. Philip is a hopeless Ph.D candidate whose thesis on space race as human's ultimate narcissism just got rejected for the second time. He works as a telemarketer and is always broke. Andre is a gay, vain, successful TV weatherman. Even though he is older, klutzy Philip can't manage life's problems and chastised by Andre all the time. Philip is the type who makes life more complicated for himself. Jealousy and envy play the part in their relationship.
Ever since I watched Robert Lepage's visually striking Le Confessional, I've been dying to see another of his films. Adapting from his play, the renowned Canadian theater director showcases his visual artistry. Using archival footage of USSR astronauts, constant visual jokes with washing machines and a fishbowl and great transitions btwn past and present, Lepage examines the complex relationship of our desire to explore outside world and being reflective of ourselves. It's a touching and contemplative work that is personable and full of creativity. A great film.
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