“We fail down here so we don’t fail up there,” says our hero to NASA after another mishap with putting a man on the Moon. ‘First Man’ is intense, claustrophobic, terrifying and majestic all at the same time. There have been solid movies about the space program in the past like ‘Apollo 13’ and ‘The Right Stuff’ but this film goes above and beyond by giving the viewers a visceral experience. Director Damien Chazelle (La La Land) works with a script by Josh Singer based on an authorized biography by James R. Hansen. It’s an incredible film as it demystifies the reluctant hero Neil Armstrong who will be remembered in the history books as the first man to walk on the Moon. It’s a human being that achieved a superhuman feat. ‘First Man’ pays tribute to one of America’s greatest heroes of all time and it is a must-see film.
The movie blasts off in 1961 when Armstrong (Ryan Gosling) takes the X-15 rocket-powered aircraft for a test ride. On the radio, we hear “Neil, you’re bouncing off the atmosphere.” He makes it back safe and sound but it is already evident that this man is not afraid to push the envelope. When Armstrong returns home, we find out that he is trying to help his daughter who is stricken with cancer. The grief and loss that he and his wife Janet (a very good Claire Foy) must endure is a running theme throughout the film. Back then, it was a sign of weakness to show any emotions and remaining stoic was the way family’s dealt with loss. In order to get a fresh start, Armstrong applies and is accepted into NASA’s space program.
After being beaten by the Soviets in the space race, it became a priority for America to put a man on the Moon and bring him back safely to Earth. The one thing that resonates throughout Chazelle’s flight sequences is how dangerous it was for the astronauts. At times, the rockets look like rickety sardine cans. When the engines roar, we are right there with Armstrong and literally feel and hear every vibration and noise. These men were putting their lives on the line every time they stepped into a space capsule. Unfortunately, tragedy strikes the 1967 Apollo 1 mission when the capsule catches fire and the three astronauts trapped inside are killed. The accident proves how dangerous future missions will be for Armstrong but we never get to know the fatal crew led by Gus Grissom.
The other astronaut that makes an impression on the viewers is Buzz Aldrin (Corey Stoll). He’s the complete opposite of Armstrong’s strong silent type persona. They will become crew mates on Apollo 11. They both respect each other but you get the sense that Armstrong wishes Aldrin would keep some of his thoughts to himself. On the eve of the famous launch, his wife urges him to sit down with their two sons since there is a chance he may not come back. Claire Foy delivers an impressive performance as the wife who must stay behind and keep the family together. The finale is amazing. The depiction of the Apollo 11 Moon landing is majestic. You never know when actual documentary footage is used versus modern special effects technology. There is also a touching scene that finally provides Armstrong with a bit of closure.
‘First Man’ is not a conventional movie biopic. We don’t get into the head of our protagonist. We get strapped down inside the capsule with him. Chazelle is only 33-years-old and has already proven to be the best filmmaker of his generation. On a technically visual level, his latest work is a masterpiece. Some may feel jipped that they don’t get to know Armstrong on a deeper level but it is what it is. He was a man that didn’t wear his heart on his sleeve. It is his stony silence that makes him the perfect hero America needed at the time. Gosling’s toned down performance perfectly nails Armstrong’s stoic character. ‘First Man’ is breathtaking filmmaking. It shows the dangers of space flight like no other space film before it.
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First Man Rating
