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*First Man*

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*First Man*
*First Man*
source
NameFirst Man
CaptionTheatrical release poster
DirectorDamien Chazelle
ProducerWyck Godfrey, Marty Bowen, Isaac Klausner, Damien Chazelle
ScreenplayJosh Singer
Based onFirst Man: The Life of Neil A. Armstrong, James R. Hansen
StarringRyan Gosling, Claire Foy, Jason Clarke, Kyle Chandler, Corey Stoll, Ciaran Hinds, Christopher Abbott, Patrick Fugit
MusicJustin Hurwitz
CinematographyLinus Sandgren
EditingTom Cross
StudioTemple Hill Entertainment, Perfect World Pictures, Amblin Entertainment
DistributorUniversal Pictures
Released2018, 08, 29, Venice Film Festival, 2018, 10, 12, United States
Runtime141 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Budget$59–70 million
Gross$105.7 million

*First Man* is a 2018 American biographical drama film directed by Damien Chazelle and written by Josh Singer. Adapted from the authorized biography by James R. Hansen, the film stars Ryan Gosling as Neil Armstrong, chronicling the decade leading up to the historic Apollo 11 mission. The narrative focuses on Armstrong's personal life, professional challenges at NASA, and the immense sacrifices made during the Space Race.

Plot

The story begins in 1961, with test pilot Neil Armstrong flying the X-15 rocket plane before facing the tragic death of his young daughter, Karen Armstrong. He joins NASA's astronaut corps for the Gemini program, where he befriends fellow astronauts like Elliot See and Ed White. Armstrong survives the near-disastrous Gemini 8 mission, which docks with an Agena target vehicle before a thruster malfunction causes a dangerous spin. Following the Apollo 1 fire that kills Ed White, Gus Grissom, and Roger B. Chaffee, Armstrong is assigned to the Apollo program. After intense training and the success of Apollo 8, Armstrong, along with Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins, launches on the Apollo 11 mission. The film culminates with the lunar landing of the Eagle (spacecraft) and Armstrong's iconic first steps on the Moon, concluding with a private moment of reflection as he casts his daughter's bracelet into Little West Crater.

Cast

Ryan Gosling portrays the stoic and determined Neil Armstrong, with Claire Foy playing his resilient wife, Janet Shearon. Key members of the astronaut corps include Jason Clarke as Ed White, Kyle Chandler as Deke Slayton, and Corey Stoll as Buzz Aldrin. Ciaran Hinds appears as NASA deputy director Robert R. Gilruth, while Christopher Abbott plays astronaut David Scott. Patrick Fugit features as Elliot See, and Lukas Haas portrays Michael Collins. The ensemble also includes Ethan Embry as Pete Conrad, Brian d'Arcy James as Joseph A. Walker, and Pablo Schreiber as Jim Lovell.

Production

Director Damien Chazelle and screenwriter Josh Singer developed the project after Chazelle's success with La La Land. Principal photography commenced in late 2017 in Atlanta, with significant sequences shot at the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. Cinematographer Linus Sandgren utilized a combination of 16mm and 35mm formats to create an intimate, documentary-like feel, with IMAX cameras deployed for the lunar sequence. Production designer Nathan Crowley recreated period-accurate sets, including detailed replicas of the Gemini spacecraft and Apollo Lunar Module. Composer Justin Hurwitz created a score featuring the theremin to evoke a haunting, otherworldly atmosphere.

Release

The film had its world premiere on August 29, 2018, at the Venice Film Festival, followed by a screening at the Telluride Film Festival. Universal Pictures released it theatrically in the United States on October 12, 2018. An IMAX release strategy emphasized the immersive lunar landing sequence. The film was later distributed internationally in markets including the United Kingdom, France, and Japan.

Reception

Critics praised the film's technical craftsmanship and intense, visceral approach to the spaceflight sequences. Reviewers highlighted the performances of Ryan Gosling and Claire Foy, as well as the direction by Damien Chazelle. Some commentary focused on the film's deliberate omission of the planting of the American flag on the Moon, which sparked brief political debate. The film holds a high approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and performed solidly at the box office, though it was considered a moderate financial success against its production budget.

Accolades

The film received numerous award nominations, including four at the 91st Academy Awards: Best Production Design for Nathan Crowley, Best Sound Editing, Best Sound Mixing, and Best Visual Effects. It won the award for Best Visual Effects. At the 76th Golden Globe Awards, Justin Hurwitz won for Best Original Score, and Claire Foy was nominated for Best Supporting Actress. The film also earned recognition from the British Academy Film Awards, the Critics' Choice Movie Awards, and various guilds including the Motion Picture Sound Editors and the Visual Effects Society.

Category:2018 films Category:American biographical drama films Category:Films about NASA Category:Apollo program films