Houston, we do not have a problem. The film slump known as September is finally over, and October has arrived with its first round of Oscar contenders. One of them is “First Man,” a look into the exploits of Neil Armstrong and the legendary Apollo 11 mission, an accomplishment of human achievement that is recognizable to Americans young and old.
Before viewing “First Man,” one cannot brush over the sizable talent found in front of and behind the camera. Award-winning director Damien Chazelle (“La La Land”) helms the biopic, while Josh Singer (“The Post”) pens the screenplay. In terms of star power, “First Man” aims high with the talents of Ryan Gosling (“Blade Runner 2049”) and Claire Foy (“Unsane”). The result is a mesmerizing experience that is a fine addition to Chazelle’s impressive filmography, but not without a few issues.
The Apollo 11 mission is such an iconic event in American history that it can be difficult to separate the mission’s triumph from the multiple setbacks and issues that happened along the way. “First Man” does not shy away from these setbacks, as the film depicts how close NASA came to cancelling the mission altogether. Men died, money was wasted, and protests were held. Over the course of the film, one may ask, “Was it all worth it?”
The performances in “First Man” are of impeccable quality. Everybody knows Neil Armstrong as the first man to walk on the moon, but who is the man behind the legacy? As “First Man” proves, Armstrong is much more than the guy who said, “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.” Gosling’s portrayal is reserved, yet cold and discerning. Armstrong was not a man who sought the spotlight, and the film does an adequate job at representing these aspects of Armstrong’s personality. Foy also does great work as Janet Armstrong, a woman who feels more distant from her husband as the Apollo mission inches closer.
From a technical standpoint, “First Man” is a marvel. The majority of the film is shot with handheld cameras, which give the picture a more independent and intimate vibe. Many films in the past have misused handheld footage, such as 2012’s “Alex Cross,” but the shaky cam here adds to the intensity of the launch scenes, which remain the most gripping parts of the movie. “First Man” is a film that should be seen on the biggest screen possible. The moon scenes are a sight to behold and worth the price of admission. It makes audiences believe Chazelle and NASA teamed up to film on the actual moon.
In terms of issues, there are a few. The pacing can feel off, making one feel the Apollo and Gemini missions happened during a single month instead of an entire decade. Outside of Gosling and Foy, none of the supporting players really stand out, which include Kyle Chandler (“Game Night”) and Corey Stoll (“The Seagull”), but, in earnest, they all give ample performances regardless of screen time.
“First Man” may be a film about Neil Armstrong, but at its core, it is a testament to human ambition. Not only is the film tense and chaotic, but it is also heartfelt and endearing. Nobody should be surprised if “First Man” becomes a classic alongside the likes of “The Right Stuff” and “Apollo 13.” “First Man” may not sore to the heights of Chazelle’s previous directorial efforts, but it will inspire and captivate audiences nonetheless.
Image from Universal Pictures via YouTube
