Reel Deal: "Source Code" (2011)

You wouldn’t believe me if I told you, but the human being pictured to the side is the offspring of glam-rock starman David Bowie. No, his name isn’t Ziggy Stardust (though I wouldn’t put it past a fantastical celebrity to indulge in obscure nomenclature for his children.)

He is Duncan Jones, the up-and-coming filmmaker best known for directing last summer’s critically acclaimed “Moon,” a sharp and imaginative sci-fi film that so keenly fleshed out dramatic suspense with one single character stationed on the moon (played by the always perfect Sam Rockwell). “Moon” was an impressive testament to Jones’ cinematic eye, featuring both his directorial and screenwriting acumen. Upon seeing the picture, I was fully convinced that Jones had found his niche in the sci-fi genre, having powerfully captured the awe-inspiring/maddening desolation of space that his father once sang about.

Well, I was half-right. Duncan Jones will flex his sci-fi muscle once again in his new project “Source Code;” however, the infinite aura of space is being replaced with the mental frenzy of time travel.

Let me explain. “Source Code” centers in on a soldier named Colter, who wakes up on a commuter train bound for Penn Station having no idea how he got there. He soon realizes that he is inhabiting the body of a man named Sean Fentress, but has no time to investigate because the train soon explodes into smithereens from a bomb set in place by terrorists. The end.

Relax, I’m kidding (about the movie ending there, that is). Colter wakes up again in the same moment in which he originally found himself, seventeen minutes in the past, given the opportunity to prevent this tragedy from taking place again. With each reawakening, Colter explores the characters and surroundings of the train that may shed some light on the devastation.

It’s “Deja Vu” all over again… but most likely a smarter depiction of déjà vu than “Deja Vu.”

The script, penned by Ben Ripley but revised by Billy Ray (“Breach”), has been circulating the web, triggering widespread announcement of movie spoilers. Having seen “Moon,” I must advise you against reading spoilers. Jones will surely reward you for it.

Jake Gyllenhaal has been cast as Colter, which will most likely establish the notoriety that was lacking in Jones’ debut film. The comely “Up in the Air” co-star/Oscar nominee Vera Farmiga will portray a communications officer controlling Colter’s “Groundhog Day”-esque time travelling, while Michelle Monaghan (“Eagle Eye”) will play a train frequenter that becomes a romantic interest for Colter.

I’ve been waiting for a solid performance from Gyllenhaal since “Zodiac,” and considering the vast potential this film possesses, the actor just might deliver. But it’s Vera Farmiga who excites me the most as a casting choice. Her superb performances in “Joshua” and “Up in the Air” have left me yearning for more from this very lovely and very talented actress.

With such rich material in Duncan Jones’ more-than-competent hands, this film will definitely be worth a year of stirring in anticipation. “Source Code” is slated for a 2011 release, though a specific date has yet to be announced.

Be sure to check out the Reel Deal next week for more movie buzz. Until then, here’s the official trailer for Duncan Jones’ aforementioned sci-fi debut, “Moon.”