Going only on the trailer, Source Code didn’t look like all that special. It seemed like another run-of-the-mill, action-packed industry flick. It didn’t quite catch my eye — at first. Then I realized that Duncan Jones was the director. My thoughts began to change.
Jones was responsible for 2009’s beautiful sci-fi gem Moon, which was also his film debut. After getting his name out with a hard sci-fi indie film, it seemed odd that his next project would be one with a big chance of commercial success, but I gave him the benefit of the doubt. He is David Bowie’s son, after all. Thankfully, he made it worth my while.
Source Code isn’t exactly what the advertisements imply. It’s not an over-the-top, action-packed, love story on a train. Yes, there is action, yes, there is a subtle love story, and yes, there is a train. But Jones doesn’t allow the Speed-style triteness to get in the way of the real story at hand. Now, I can’t go into too much detail about the film unless I slap a giant spoiler alert sticker at the top of the article. There are some surprises in the film that need to be experienced to be fully appreciated.
I sat down with Duncan Jones to get some insight on Source Code.
“I read it and thought it was terrific,” he said. “It was so fast-paced compared to Moon, so I got excited.”
He said that though both Source Code and Moon share some similar themes and concepts, what drew him to the project were actually all of the differences. Jones set out to make a film unlike his last while staying true to his still-fresh sci-fi roots. And he succeeded.
With the obvious differences between his works — one being a low-budget indie film (Moon) and the other being a film that has more commercial appeal — I was curious about his feelings toward the different styles of filmmaking.
“I want to have the illegitimate child of independent filmmaking ad budget to make it,” he said. “I made Moon because I wanted to make feature films. … Source Code was the opportunity to work with some big-name actors, to work with Jake [Gyllenhaal] who I was a big fan of, work in the Hollywood system with some more money, some more toys to play with. The next film I’d like to do would be something I’ve written myself with the same kind of money that I did Source Code on, and hopefully we’ll take it from there and see how that goes down.”
Jones is a director who focuses on making quality films — the kind he would love to see. It’s exciting to know he is making a name for himself beyond his father’s, and it won’t be surprising if in the future he becomes a force to be reckoned with.
Jones told me his next project will be another sci-fi film.
“[I’m] writing a science fiction film right now,” he said. “And unfortunately, as much as I am enthusiastic about talking about it, I can’t really say much more than that, but it’s going to be as different as Source Code is from Moon.”
He promised that the film will be rife with action but will fall easily in line with his repertoire. But Jones said that though he is establishing himself in the sci-fi world, he would like to explore other genres.
“I was massively jealous but also excited when Tarantino did Inglourious Basterds,” he said. “I’m a huge ‘guys on a mission’ fan. … By the time I am ready to make one of those films, I think Inglourious Basterds will have been long enough ago that maybe people will be ready for another kind of film like that. I’d love to do something like that.”
He’s already proved that he is not a one-trick pony with the heavy atmosphere of Moon and the quick-paced segments of Source Code. Fans should not fret his eventual venture into new territory.
If you’re on the fence or just not sure about Source Code, see it. Give it the chance it deserves. It’s a smart film by a fantastic director, and though I had my doubts, it did not let me down. Watch it. It will surprise you.
