Lunarcy!
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Lunarcy!

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There is a category of documentary that boils down to this: People that care too much about odd things. Usually a topic you aware of but never looked into. Presented in an affectionate and lightly mocking way, these documentaries seek to enlighten the viewer as to the reason why each of these people are so passionate about their chosen subject. Lunarcy! seeks to do this with those that want to live on the moon.

Director Simon Ennis’ main subject is Christopher Carson, an awkward fellow with a singular vision, to be the first person to leave Earth with the intention of never returning. We follow his efforts to try and interest others in his vision, all unsuccessful, and as viewers we are encouraged to laugh at these foibles. Christopher says things like, “Why did the dinosaurs become extinct? Because they didn’t have a space program.” And he believes it. There are a couple of other colourful characters that are drawn by the Moon’s pull and a conman that sells lunar real estate, but none hold interest like Christopher.

And that’s the problem with Lunarcy! One man’s vision is not enough to build a documentary around. Not if you set him up as a gag for three quarters of the film before asking the audience to sympathise with his noble dreams at the end. Lunarcy! builds to nothing; there is no success, no national championships, no redemption for this social outcast that dreams of living on the moon because he doesn’t fit in on earth, just the credits.