Review of First Man (2018) by Brent T — 14 Oct 2018

This is mostly a focused biography of the first astronaut to step on the moon. It is not a documentary of the Apollo 11 mission. Chazelle brings his style to this film which enthralls some but I find tiresome. Many super close-ups of Gosling and Foy with lots of shaky hand-held camera work with the intent of creating a documentary feel. Some great effects of the X-15, Gemini, and Apollo missions; although it seemed very out of place to have Gosling sit in silence during these critical moments when pilots and astronauts are supposed to keep talking about their status. Armstrong is portrayed as the most reticent man in the world who will not talk to his wife or closest friends about anything personal. There is little personal growth from him despite all these momentous events he experiences.

I saw the film at a true IMAX theater. The sound of the rockets is great but most scenes were grainy when projected to the IMAX proportions. The lunar scenes were filmed with IMAX cameras and look sharper.

The flag "controversy" is stupid when you see the lunar scenes. In reality the astronauts only spent a few hours outside the LEM and these scenes exclusively focus on Armstrong's perspective of the experience, and the awe and reflection he must have felt. Showing the flag planting would have taken away from the emotion the director was conveying.

Overall, this is a good but not great look into the experience of an American icon. You will not learn much about him. He doesn't talk to anyone close nor is the audience let in on his feelings except for fleeting moments.