One might wonder, how is it possible to convey an astronaut’s true emotions during a flight or launch? In the Neil Armstrong biopic, “First Man ,” director Damien Chazelle, who also directed the likes of “Whiplash” and “La La Land,” makes the answer blatantly clear — the emotions lie in the eyes.
Based on the book by James R. Hansen , “First Man” – released on October 12, 2018 – is an intimate account of Armstrong’s tumultuous life as a NASA astronaut, and ultimately, as the first man to walk on the moon during the renowned Apollo 11 mission.
For all the unabashed heroism and patriotism of space films past — see classics “The Right Stuff” and “Apollo 13 ” — this film’s greatest virtue is its grounded storytelling. Indeed, Chazelle strips his story of all idealism and he understands that unglorified realism is the only proper method of cinematically recounting a true story.
“First Man” boldly takes viewers to a place few would expect from the space exploration genre. The film’s cinematic reinvention revolves around two entities that are inherent to space travel, darkness and most notably, silence. These themes become most prevalent in the film’s climax, a lunar sequence with almost no dialogue.
The film is simultaneously intense and genuine in its portrayal of the dangers and personal costs of space exploration. The opening sequence immediately thrusts the viewer into the action.
It features Armstrong, played by Chazelle’s “La La Land” star Ryan Gosling , in the cockpit of the X-15, a high-altitude rocket plane , with no heroic theme song to accompany him; it is only a man and his ship. During each launch and mission, Chazelle utilizes extreme close-ups of Armstrong’s eyes to showcase the physical struggle and mental fortitude required of an astronaut.
Another scene that showcases the film’s brutal intensity is the incredible, gravity-defying “Agena spin” sequence during Armstrong’s second mission to space. A clip from this sequence can be viewed here.
While “First Man” depicts Armstrong’s rise to international prominence through NASA’s Gemini and Apollo programs , the film is incredibly grounded and it humanizes Armstrong almost to a fault. Though apt and realistic, Gosling’s overly stoic and introverted portrayal of Armstrong emphasizes the astronaut’s meticulous — and at times, emotionless — mastery of his complex craft. Gosling’s performance is excellent, but it needs a bit more flavor.
Gosling as Armstrong in the cockpit of the Gemini capsule.
Meanwhile, Claire Foy, known for her role in “The Crown,” is perfectly cast as Armstrong’s wife, Janet . Foy’s genuine performance as the de-facto family leader amidst her husband’s frequent absences seamlessly compliments Armstrong’s relentless devotion to his post. Foy easily replaces her real-life British accent with a distinctly southern inflection that adds independence and fierce determination to Janet’s character.
Jason Clarke, an Australian actor , is also indistinguishable and superb as Armstrong’s Gemini peer and best friend, Edward White. Both Ed and Janet offer moral support to the oft-impenetrable Armstrong. In addition, Corey Stoll turns in a humorous yet convincing performance as Buzz Aldrin, Armstrong’s more extroverted Apollo 11 comrade.
Throughout the film, Chazelle’s up-close-and-personal, shaky-cam style is extraordinarily effective in conveying Armstrong’s palpable emotions directly to the viewer. This cinematography style is especially apparent in the interactions between Gosling and Foy, a pair with undeniable chemistry.
Gosling an Foy in an emotional scene from First Man.
An example of Chazelle’s intimate directorial style can be viewed in this New York Times breakdown.
Chazelle’s choice to shoot First Man on 16 mm film is beautifully original and very effective. This technique grants the movie a more narrow and multicolored 60s-like gradient that blends in quite well with the Space Age time period.
The vivid yet succinct presentation of the Apollo 1 fire that killed three astronauts further exhibits the impact of Chazelle’s directorial choices, many of which were inspired by fellow director Christopher Nolan. Chazelle reunites with composer Justin Hurwitz , his Harvard classmate and Oscar-winning “La La Land” partner, to craft the film’s stunning soundtrack and sound mixing. The realism of launch and ignition sound effects is innate and immersive, and they greatly contribute to the viewer’s firsthand experience.
In addition, masterful set design enables the film to recreate the NASA space capsules with extreme precision and to the nearest dial.
The film’s greatest homage to Armstrong’s legacy is its emphasis on the characters’ emotions and facial expressions, rather than on its own script. As a blockbuster, “First Man” significantly strays from the status quo by humbling its hero. However, as a unique, wholly entertaining cinematic masterpiece or chef-d’oeuvre, as Chazelle, a native of France, might say, the film exceeds all expectations.
Ultimately, “First Man” defies Hollywood tradition in its choice to lower its hero down to human level instead of elevating him to immortality. Though Armstrong will be forever remembered, the film thrives due to its originality and fearlessness in telling a story exactly as it took place — no glorification needed.
Final rating: 3.5 out of 4 stars
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3.) https://people.com/movies/ryan-gosling-claire-foy-first-man-sneak-peek/
4.) See below – (3.5/4 stars rating image)