First Man (2018)

A look at the life of the astronaut, Neil Armstrong, and the legendary space mission that led him to become the first man to walk on the Moon on July 20, 1969.

Director:

Damien Chazelle

Writers:

Josh Singer (screenplay by), James R. Hansen (based on the book by)

Stars:

Ryan Gosling, Claire Foy, Jason Clarke

Won 1 Oscar. Another 30 wins & 187 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Ryan Gosling	...	Neil Armstrong
Claire Foy	...	Janet Armstrong
Jason Clarke	...	Ed White
Kyle Chandler	...	Deke Slayton
Corey Stoll	...	Buzz Aldrin
Patrick Fugit	...	Elliot See
Christopher Abbott	...	Dave Scott
Ciarán Hinds	...	Bob Gilruth
Olivia Hamilton	...	Pat White
Pablo Schreiber	...	James Lovell
Shea Whigham	...	Gus Grissom
Lukas Haas	...	Mike Collins
Ethan Embry	...	Pete Conrad
Brian d'Arcy James	...	Joe Walker
Cory Michael Smith	...	Roger Chaffee

Storyline

A Biopic on the life of the legendary American Astronaut Neil Armstrong from 1961-1969, on his journey to becoming the first human to walk the moon. Exploring the sacrifices and costs on the Nation and Neil himself, during one of the most dangerous missions in the history of space travel.

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Plot Keywords:

moon landing | 1960s | astronaut | nasa | apollo program | 

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Taglines:

One giant leap into the unknown.

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Genres:

Biography | Drama | History

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for some thematic content involving peril, and brief strong language

Did You Know?

Trivia

Not content with training them at NASA, Damien Chazelle sent each of his actors YouTube videos of the person they embodied so they could learn to reproduce their phrasing and tics of language. In addition, the director provided a list of books and films to consult. Literary suggestions include titles such as 'Carrying the Fire' by Michael Collins, 'Deke!' by Deke Slayton and Michael Cassutt, and 'First Man' by James R. Hansen. On the movie side, there's For All Mankind (1989), Moonwalk One (1972) and Mission Control: The Unsung Heroes of Apollo (2017).

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Goofs

When one of the astronauts is shown collecting a lunar soil sample, the crotch strap of his spacesuit is undone.

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Quotes

Pete Conrad: Neil, I was sorry to hear about your daughter.
Neil Armstrong: I'm sorry, is there a question?
Pete Conrad: What I... What I mean is... Do you think it'll have an effect?
Neil Armstrong: I think it would be unreasonable to assume that it wouldn't have some effect.

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Crazy Credits

The depictions of tobacco smoking contained in this film are based solely on artistic consideration and are not intended to promote tobacco consumption. The surgeon general has determined that there are serious health risks associated with smoking and secondhand smoke.

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Connections

References 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)

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Soundtracks

Whitey on the Moon
Written by Gil Scott-Heron
Performed by Leon Bridges
Leon Bridges appears courtesy of Columbia Records

User Reviews

One of the most momentous events in history, turned into a depressing drag.

If you are thinking this is going to be a fun, great movie like Apollo 13, well, just rent Apollo 13 and watch that one again.

I've been a 'space-nut' and an aficionado of NASA and the space program since I was a kid in the 70's. I'm not sure how they could have made a movie about Neil Armstrong and the first moon landing more sobby-eyed or depressing. It managed to capture none of the majesty, grandeur, or scope of the undertaking- it was just a wet-blanket of constant angst.

The close ups were so close-up that they made you want to back right out of the theater, and were shot in a way to make them resemble shaky-handed home-video footage shot on a hand-held. The camera just refused to hold still for anything in this movie, and it was infuriating.

I'm sure, at least at a few points in his life, Neil Armstrong cracked a smile. You wouldn't think so from watching this. I know he shunned public attention, but I find it impossible to believe Neil Armstrong could possibly have been as lifeless and wooden as he was portrayed in this film. Foy's portrayal of his wife came across even colder and less joyful than her depiction of Queen Elizabeth.

Sorely disappointing. 6/10, and I feel that's being fairly generous.

Details

Official Sites:

Official Facebook Official Instagram

Country:

USA Japan

Language:

English

Release Date:

12 October 2018 (USA)

Also Known As:

First Man

Filming Locations:

Atlanta, Georgia, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$59,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$16,006,065, 14 October 2018

Gross USA:

$44,936,545

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$105,702,570

Company Credits

Production Co:

Universal Pictures, Dreamworks Pictures, Perfect World Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

141 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Atmos DTS (DTS: X) Auro 11.1

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.39 : 1