Watch Moonbug

Moonbug is a 76-minute documentary film from 2010 that is directed by Simon Horrocks. The film is an exploration of Apollo astronauts, their missions to space, their experiences on the moon, and their musings on the future of space exploration. The documentary features interviews with four of the surviving Apollo astronauts: Buzz Aldrin, Alan Bean, Frank Borman, and Eugene Cernan.

The film is structured around a reenactment of the Apollo 11 launch, which is intercut with interviews with the astronauts. The interview segments are filmed in a style that is meant to be reminiscent of an old-fashioned television interview show. The astronauts are filmed sitting in armchairs, often with a model of the lunar module in the background, and they speak candidly about their experiences in space.

The film covers a wide range of topics related to space travel, including the political context of the Apollo missions, the technical challenges of getting to the moon, the experience of walking on the moon, and the legacy of the Apollo program. Each of the astronaut interviewees brings a unique perspective to these topics.

For example, Buzz Aldrin speaks passionately about the need for humans to become a "multi-planet species," with Mars being the next logical destination for human exploration. He also talks about his own experiences on the moon, including the famous "one small step for man" quote and his own personal response to the experience of walking on the lunar surface.

Alan Bean, the fourth person to walk on the moon, is perhaps the most introspective of the interviewees. He talks about how his experiences on the moon changed him as a person, and how he came to see the earth in a new light after seeing it from space. He also shares his thoughts on the role of artists in space exploration, which is a topic that is unique to his perspective as an artist himself.

Frank Borman, who flew on the Apollo 8 mission (the first to orbit the moon), speaks to the broader context of the moon landing in the Cold War era. He talks about how the United States and the Soviet Union were engaged in a "space race," and how the Apollo program was a part of that broader geopolitical struggle. He also shares his thoughts on the exploration of Mars and the potential for humans to colonize other planets.

Eugene Cernan, the last person to walk on the moon, is perhaps the most nostalgic of the interviewees. He talks about the emotional impact of his experience on the moon, and how he feels a deep connection to the lunar surface. He also shares his thoughts on the future of space exploration, and how he hopes that humans will continue to explore the "final frontier."

Throughout the film, there are also plenty of stunning visuals of space and the moon. The filmmakers use archival footage from the Apollo missions as well as modern-day shots of the moon and space shuttles. The film is accompanied by a hauntingly beautiful musical score, which complements the visuals perfectly.

Overall, Moonbug is a fascinating and insightful documentary that will appeal to anyone with an interest in space exploration. The interviews with the astronauts are candid and insightful, and the visuals are breathtaking. The film is a tribute to the Apollo program and the brave men who risked their lives to explore the final frontier.

Moonbug is a 2010 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 27 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1.