“That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.” —Neil Armstrong
Today’s quick review: First Man. After the loss of his daughter to cancer, NASA test pilot Neil Armstrong (Ryan Gosling) decides to make a fresh start by applying to NASA’s Project Gemini, a space program meant to pave the way for manned Moon landings. After years of victories and setbacks, NASA moves on to the Apollo program. Armstrong is chosen to lead its flagship mission, Apollo 11, and become the first man to set foot on the Moon.
First Man is a space drama that chronicles the lead-up to the Apollo 11 Moon landing. The film depicts the life and career of pilot-turned-astronaut Neil Armstrong, beginning in 1961 and culminating in his historic walk on the Moon. First Man gives his story a personal touch, showing the effects of the space program on Neil and his wife Janet (Claire Foy). Strong dramatic acting and fine craftsmanship help First Man achieve what it sets out to do.
First Man is a pensive film punctuated by the adrenaline rush of space launches and high-altitude test flights. The tone is often moody, thanks to the human cost of the space program, but the film never sinks into despair. The personal drama blends nicely with the program’s technical challenges. First Man’s distinctive directorial style also helps set the mood using close camera shots, long silences, and cramped, beautiful glimpses of space.
Watch First Man if you’re a fan of space exploration, biographical pieces, or drama in general. The quality of its execution makes it a solid pick for anyone who’s interested in the subject matter, while its personal focus gives it something to work with beyond the bare facts of the Apollo 11 mission. Those who aren’t keen on personal drama may want to steer clear, as First Man lacks the raw thrill of more fanciful space adventures.
For a similar look at the Apollo space program, try Apollo 13. For a lighter but plausible look at survival on Mars, check out The Martian. For a fictional survival thriller set in space, check out Gravity.
7.7 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.0 to 7.5 for a well-told personal drama wrapped around an iconic tale of exploration; your score will vary depending on your taste in drama and cinematography.