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10

alienchaosOct 29, 2018

The fact that they landed on the moon isn't the real story. It's how they got there. The scenes involving space flight literally put you right in them to experience them full force. It's definitely a movie where if you can get immersed in theThe fact that they landed on the moon isn't the real story. It's how they got there. The scenes involving space flight literally put you right in them to experience them full force. It's definitely a movie where if you can get immersed in the story, then you will find it insanely fantastic. But, if you aren't immersed, you probably will find it a bit boring and slow. However, the back story is essential to understanding the man who is so revered but poorly known outside of his family. This movie is a strong effort to explain his motivations and get away from the all-american hero image that is perpetrated still today.… Expand

0 of 3 users found this helpful03

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10

ClariseSamuelsJan 20, 2019

Space exploration movies, especially those based on a true story, are always riveting. First Man is no exception. Unlike the film Apollo 13, which explored the friendship and solidarity between Jim Lovell, Jack Swigert, and Fred Haise, thisSpace exploration movies, especially those based on a true story, are always riveting. First Man is no exception. Unlike the film Apollo 13, which explored the friendship and solidarity between Jim Lovell, Jack Swigert, and Fred Haise, this film focuses on the professional and emotional journey of one astronaut, Neil Armstrong (Ryan Gosling), who holds a place in history for being the first human being to set foot on the fine powder that pervades the surface of the moon.

Clearly, there was teamwork involved in this endeavor as well. Armstong did not fly to the moon by himself—he was accompanied by Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins. Nevertheless, even though his crewmates were with him the whole time, and the interdependency between them was obvious, Armstrong’s fierce inner strength, and his laconic and terse inability to express his deepest emotions both at home and at work, depict him as an iconic loner. It was not just one small step for [a] man and one giant leap for mankind, it was a giant leap for astronaut Neil Armstrong as an individual and a man whose personal journey had literally taken him to the moon.

Director Damien Chazelle beautifully balances the professional man with the private individual, who was difficult to live with as a spouse, who loved his children but could not always demonstrate paternal affection, and who respected his copilots even as he distanced himself from them. Generally unknown or forgotten details about Neil Armstrong come to light in this screenplay, such as the fact that he lost a 2-year-old daughter to brain cancer in 1962. Given his impassive and stoic personality, he was never completely able to assimilate his grief. He is shown dropping his daughter’s bracelet in a moon crater during his 22-hour Apollo 11 lunar exploration. Although this scene is not wholly based on fact, Armstrong did wander away from Aldrin briefly to spend a few minutes by himself at the edge of what is known as Little West Crater. This went against the scripted actions that had been carefully planned before the launch. It was thought he might have left something there as a memento, not uncommon practice for astronauts who walked on the moon. Armstrong’s biographer suspected he left something from his daughter, as did others. Also, not generally known was that Armstrong was probably not NASA’s first choice to be first man. He was shoved to the head of the line with the death of Gus Grissom, who perished in a flash fire during a “plugs-out” test. Grissom was purported to be lined up for commanding the first lunar landing mission.

As a strong-willed, hard-working Midwesterner from Ohio, Armstrong was not the easiest character to depict on screen. He was not glamorous or flamboyant, his life was scandal-free, and he avoided the limelight. Ryan Gosling attempts to recreate this inner and dispassionate strength, which was a kind of discrete reserve worn like a protective armor. The portrayal is accurate, but for those who have never experienced the quiet, unflappable self-restraint of a certain kind of Midwestern personality, it may have appeared that Gosling was underacting. He wasn’t. As for Claire Foy in the role of Armstrong’s wife Janet, she has demonstrated what appears to be an infinite acting range. She has effortlessly glided from a flawless portrayal of the young Queen Elizabeth II to an equally flawless portrayal of a Midwestern (from Illinois) suburban housewife who has to stay home to mind the kids, bravely live her life in the dark shadow of possible widowhood, and give her difficult astronaut husband a ton of support. Also noteworthy, the moon landing scenes and the eerie silence of space as the astronauts approach the lunar surface make this film an almost mystical experience.… Expand

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10

BrianMcCriticOct 12, 2018

From its performances to its technical achievements, First Man is a masterpiece. Damien Chazelle is putting himself in the conversation for one of the best young film makers of our time. Every shot is perfect with specific lighting choicesFrom its performances to its technical achievements, First Man is a masterpiece. Damien Chazelle is putting himself in the conversation for one of the best young film makers of our time. Every shot is perfect with specific lighting choices that added to the impact of certain scenes. It's not easy to get me emotionally invested within the first 20 minutes but the way Gosling portrays Neil Armstrong really got me early and often and Claire Foy is just as good if not better. I can't sing this films praises high enough it's a must see. Overall a 10 an A+(currently my favorite film of 2018).… Expand

12 of 26 users found this helpful1214

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10

eagleeyevikingMay 19, 2020

Workmanlike in its approach and deeply personal, while showing the importance of determination, struggle, and failure to achieve success, "First Man" is technically and emotively flawless.

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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10

MrMovieBuffOct 14, 2018

There is another user reviewer on this site who I respect named 'BrianMcCritic' who, in his review said that director Damien Chazelle is "one of the best young filmmakers of our time", I have to second that. 'First Man' is, in a word, aThere is another user reviewer on this site who I respect named 'BrianMcCritic' who, in his review said that director Damien Chazelle is "one of the best young filmmakers of our time", I have to second that. 'First Man' is, in a word, a masterpiece. A well made character study about an everyday man who makes the risky decision to fly to the moon and make history. We see Neil Armstrong (Ryan Gosling) living a somewhat quiet life, dealing with the loss of his daughter and trying to reason with his wife, Janet (a superb Claire Foy) and the rest of his kids. He goes through many tough training techniques and tries to properly assess himself if he is going to fly a great distance into space and away from the earth. There are so many effective uses of point-of-view shots throughout when Armstrong is flying many distances and even when things get out of control, director Chazelle wants you - the audience member - to feel the uneasy tension, there is a fantastic sequence in the middle of the film when Armstrong and another astronaut find themselves in a malfunctioning situation, and you will feel a little spent from the extended amount of time we are seeing them try to get out of the dangerous task. Obviously, you know what our main character achieves towards the end of his story, he does land on the moon, Chazelle cleverly makes this moment slow, building up the tension and leaving room for all the emotions to sink in. It's quiet, no music and very little dialogue. You feel as if you are there with Armstrong experiencing history. No other words can be used to describe this fantastic scene, you just have to see it for yourself. As I said above, this is a character study movie about Armstrong himself, and the decision he makes and his family's reaction to it. Don't go in thinking it's going to be some "Star Trek" style space adventure. It's about a man... "The First Man" so we say, his story involves everything we need to know about him here. It's a fascinating piece of filmmaking and storytelling, and one of the best movies of the year.… Expand

2 of 10 users found this helpful28

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10

Kristoff_PLJun 25, 2020

Must watch , part of Space exploration great history and also great movie in all aspects!!! A MUST!!!

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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10

rescaOct 12, 2018

For this short amount of time, so much story is told. Truly a masterpiece. This is not what we want, but what we need to see.

3 of 13 users found this helpful310

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10

chariot123Oct 13, 2018

This movie had me glued to the screen the whole time, anyone who hasn't seen this should watch it immediately, I wish I could turn around and go back in and watching again, Gosling was the perfect cast for this. Brilliant movie.

3 of 11 users found this helpful38

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10

whoischarlotteOct 23, 2018

Honestly, one of the best films I’ve ever watched. It was captivating and it was m but kept it real and authentic though the movie. Ryan Gosling’s performance was perfect.

0 of 3 users found this helpful03

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10

freeKade1kaJul 14, 2019

Excellent movie. Ryan Gosling perfect as always. Damien Chazelle can't make bad movie

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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10

DouglasreynholmJan 24, 2019

This isn't just a normal biopic about the famous Apollo 11 mission and the first man on the moon. This is a movie about how a person deals with tragedy with the events of the horrifying events of how dangerous the mission was. AmazingThis isn't just a normal biopic about the famous Apollo 11 mission and the first man on the moon. This is a movie about how a person deals with tragedy with the events of the horrifying events of how dangerous the mission was. Amazing performances from everyone. As well have a fantastic score that stays with you forever. Damien Chazelle shows that he isn't just a jazz fan.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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10

Amir84dorriOct 13, 2018

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This film can remember again ''gravity''.ryan gosling into this movie best show of himself.This film new experience for director of la la land.… Expand

1 of 9 users found this helpful18

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10

jacks109Oct 20, 2018

Damian Chazelle is an amazing story teller and this time his story just so happens to be about one of the most incredible journeys in history. I'm not sure why he always chooses Ryan Gosling for his films, he seems to always have the sameDamian Chazelle is an amazing story teller and this time his story just so happens to be about one of the most incredible journeys in history. I'm not sure why he always chooses Ryan Gosling for his films, he seems to always have the same expression on his face regardless of the emotion, but for a character who historically has been classified as "hard to read" it could have been a worse fit.… Expand

0 of 3 users found this helpful03

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10

NorthlinDec 7, 2018

Incredibly emotional and well made film. Left me weeping in tears and until now, still a heartache for Neil. Ryan Gosling plays better than ever, and the moon landing sequence is just too goddamn satisfying to watch. Huge love to it, probablyIncredibly emotional and well made film. Left me weeping in tears and until now, still a heartache for Neil. Ryan Gosling plays better than ever, and the moon landing sequence is just too goddamn satisfying to watch. Huge love to it, probably one of the best films of the year.… Expand

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

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10

s26205229Feb 15, 2019

This movie is amazing. I think the reason it’s been mischaracterized as “slow” and “boring” is because people were expecting a space action movie. Apparently, they didn’t read the title. Yes it’s very different than Apollo 13 or even TheThis movie is amazing. I think the reason it’s been mischaracterized as “slow” and “boring” is because people were expecting a space action movie. Apparently, they didn’t read the title. Yes it’s very different than Apollo 13 or even The Right Stuff, but it’s SUPPOSED to be. They didn’t want to give you the same things you get from those other movies. They wanted this movie to be unique, and it is. And they did an excellent job of it.… Expand

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10

Eaj6Oct 8, 2019

Truly one of my favorite movies about space journeys and moon landings. The attention to detail and accuracy amazed me. Also the cinematography was absolutly stunning! I loved it when the Apollo 11 spacecraft launched. I fully recommend this movie!

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10

Amir11Sep 15, 2019

It's amazing! Just outstanding and very real. Everything seems to be best. Story is simple but, with this crew, nothing is going to be simple...

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10

Acquit77Jul 19, 2021

⊙⊙⊙⊙⊙⊙⊙⊙⊙⊙⊙⊙⊙⊙⊙⊙⊙⊙●■●■●■●■●■●■●■●■●
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$÷%÷%÷%÷%÷%÷%÷%÷%÷%÷%÷%÷%÷%÷

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10

Stanley3563May 17, 2023

any review lower than a 10 has been written by a infant child, best to ignore these reviews and listen to the ones that can appreciate the grand gos.

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9

LamontRaymondOct 12, 2018

I would give First Man a 9 out of 10 (an outstanding film, better than most of the other films released in 2018), only if we can agree that The Right Stuff should be about 15. It's beautifully shot and an extremely intense first-personI would give First Man a 9 out of 10 (an outstanding film, better than most of the other films released in 2018), only if we can agree that The Right Stuff should be about 15. It's beautifully shot and an extremely intense first-person account. Claire Foy is incredible. It simply lacked much of the excitement that films like The Right Stuff had locked down.… Expand

5 of 12 users found this helpful57

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9

katezoeOct 15, 2018

Wonderful movie on the space program like we have never seen. Incredible performance by Ryan Gosling. Not your typical Hollywood movie. Understated, thoughtful and moving experience.

1 of 7 users found this helpful16

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9

Compi24Oct 13, 2018

This is without a doubt one of the best movies of the year. You're given an intensely personal story from the get-go, delivered with an impeccable eye for imagery and a collection of some of the finest acting I've seen all year. Oh, also itThis is without a doubt one of the best movies of the year. You're given an intensely personal story from the get-go, delivered with an impeccable eye for imagery and a collection of some of the finest acting I've seen all year. Oh, also it just so happens to be portraying what many would argue is one of humanity's most pivotal moments. That's no small feat, and director Damien Chazelle handles the challenge in stride, serving up a cinematic docudrama that I'll not soon forget.… Expand

5 of 15 users found this helpful510

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9

marcmyworksDec 16, 2018

First man is probably one of the best movies of 2018, exploring the psychological battle Neil Armstrong went through during the Apollo space program in the 1960s. Though at times the film seems long and the shaky camera work jarring, it is anFirst man is probably one of the best movies of 2018, exploring the psychological battle Neil Armstrong went through during the Apollo space program in the 1960s. Though at times the film seems long and the shaky camera work jarring, it is an excellent film.… Expand

0 of 3 users found this helpful03

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9

superfieldsJul 9, 2019

A great journey into the triumph and constant persistence of the human spirit to one end, the moon. I enjoyed this film from start to finish.

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9

twall3Oct 21, 2018

For a man who had little to say, we learn a lot about him from those few words and from what he doesn't say. It seems his quiet intelligence is the temperament that was needed to push through the training exercises, qrieve the losses and makeFor a man who had little to say, we learn a lot about him from those few words and from what he doesn't say. It seems his quiet intelligence is the temperament that was needed to push through the training exercises, qrieve the losses and make the successful moon landing. Inspiring and at times intense. A little surprising how little is shown of the return trip, but I'm guessing director and editor had their reasons. Excellent film making and story telling.… Expand

0 of 3 users found this helpful03

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9

Rebecca31Oct 20, 2018

Based on the book by James R. Hansen, First Man tells the story of NASA's mission to land on the moon, and the life of astronaut Neil Armstrong.

It was interesting to see how Damien Chazelle would take on the moon landing with his last twoBased on the book by James R. Hansen, First Man tells the story of NASA's mission to land on the moon, and the life of astronaut Neil Armstrong.

It was interesting to see how Damien Chazelle would take on the moon landing with his last two films being heavily music based. First Man shows us just how good of a story-teller he is. I normally like my space movies with a few aliens thrown in but I was fully invested in this story. I also wouldn't exactly know many details about the moon landing which may have helped keep me interested. Gosling seemed like a good choice for Neil Armstrong although I found his performance very cold and distant the emotion comes from the rest of the cast, particularly Claire Foy as Janet Armstrong. The attention to detail for the space crafts allows you to become fully immersed. Creating the sensation of claustrophobia, you really feel like you're in the space craft next to the astronauts. Justin Hurwitz has composed yet another beautiful score, not that I wouldn't have expected less, his use of Lunar Rhapsody throughout the film will give you the chills. It's gripping, emotional and highly recommended.… Expand

1 of 5 users found this helpful14

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9

nj06Oct 29, 2018

The movie is slow and introverted, exactly like its subject. At times, it is a bit boring, but for me, the last 30 minutes were worth any pain and boredom. The music is gorgeous and that whole part is at the same time triumphant andThe movie is slow and introverted, exactly like its subject. At times, it is a bit boring, but for me, the last 30 minutes were worth any pain and boredom. The music is gorgeous and that whole part is at the same time triumphant and heartbreaking. Those scenes were good enough for me to elevate the whole movie to a superb level. Pure perfection in my opinion. I was particularly moved by the scene when as the whole world is celebrating, Neal Armstrong is reminiscing about his daughter and throwing her bracelet into a moon canyon. I loved the main character and the way Ryan Gosling captured him. I felt enormous empathy for him, I also loved his quiet heroism (such stark contrast with blowhardery of what we see these days on TV and in movies), his broken soul, and his steadfast consistency. I will definitely see this movie again. It very much brought back my childhood fascination with the space, moon, Apollo program, etc (more than any other movie about that era, and I have seen them all). This is a smart and subdued movie, that beautifully encapsulated the colossal challenge and achievement of going to the moon and getting back for the first time. I LOVED IT!!… Expand

2 of 6 users found this helpful24

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9

alejandro970Nov 18, 2018

Narrated with the epoc charactheristics, follows in compelling way how was the daring space travel that could hardly be. Gosling is remarkable as Armstrong; the sequences are realistic, makes the idea you are in the spaceship. A shall to see.

0 of 4 users found this helpful04

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9

olivermetaOct 12, 2018

The scenes in space are very exhilarating. The movie feels very authentic and true to the real obstacles, and realistic technology. There could have been more done to bring the true scale of the exhibition in the public eye, which was onlyThe scenes in space are very exhilarating. The movie feels very authentic and true to the real obstacles, and realistic technology. There could have been more done to bring the true scale of the exhibition in the public eye, which was only done later in the film after the success or failures of the mission. It felt also true to the astronauts isolated to the public eye, and I believe it was heavily focused on providing their vantage point from start to finish. I would give this movie an 8.5/10.… Expand

5 of 13 users found this helpful58

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9

KeithDowOct 15, 2018

Damien Chazelle's perfect record remains intact. His third feature film, 'First Man,' is an extraordinary achievement in filmmaking and immediately becomes a front-runner for best movie of the year.

The technical aspects of the film areDamien Chazelle's perfect record remains intact. His third feature film, 'First Man,' is an extraordinary achievement in filmmaking and immediately becomes a front-runner for best movie of the year.

The technical aspects of the film are flawless. Everything from the writing to the cinematography to the sound design and score are as compelling as they are precise. Yet it's the pacing and emotion of the film--which are directly a result of Chazelle's exceptional directing--that complete the package, making 'First Man' his most audaciously planned and executed project to date.… Expand

3 of 7 users found this helpful34

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9

ViniciusBritoOct 20, 2018

During the Cold War, there was the called "Space Race", wich was a race for technological and a symbolic superiority over the Soviet Union, and this race about technology was pretty much all about reaching the space, they started withDuring the Cold War, there was the called "Space Race", wich was a race for technological and a symbolic superiority over the Soviet Union, and this race about technology was pretty much all about reaching the space, they started with satellites and probes, once that the USSR were in front during the beginning of the race, the USA decided to do something very daring, wich is send the man to the Moon for the first time, and one of the astronauts that did it, is the leading character in this movie, wich is Neil Armstrong. Neil Armstrong had a lot of troubles during his paternity and passing through several traumas, and in his professional he was always the most possible hardworking guy, so as the whole NASA, the failures and achieves that happened before the tough round trip to the Moon. Directed by Damien Chazelle and Written by Josh Singer.
While people are telling stories in movies or books, about things that actually happened, mostly of it will surely be true and have a lot of documented materials in it, but still there is a small margin for fiction as well, because you can't tell everything that happened during the course of the events, so in this, they do have friends and family of the true characters and by that they can take the most realistic and possible reaction in the script, i think that they were very successfulyy in this aspect. The story is told in a very calm way, telling a few details with it's time, this is more than anything, a story about the carreer and personal life of Neil Armstrong, seeing this, they did a good job in showing Neil traumas and difficulties inside his family because of what had happened to his daughter, they could show me in the story how much did he was concerned with her, i believed in what i was seeing, and i was caring about all of that, inside of his house and in his personal life, i completely bought every thing that was going on, the up and downs that was very well positioned and justified. During his job in NASA, i think that they did showed very well how hard that was, how many time did it tooked and how many failures they did had before achieving the goal, even that the story is a bit slow, i think that it was very according. They did good in showing how the people were seeing all of that effort, how some of them did not liked how the money was being spent. The interaction between the characters is also worthy to be mentioned here, Neil personality is very intro, while his friends and family was the contrary, so they had a contrast of personalities that gave to the movie another layer. The movie can make me have thoughts, this is surely a story about overcoming as well, how many wrong things have happened to the good emerge, "we have to fail here, to not fail up there", that is just wonderful.
The acting was very nice, Ryan Gosling could offer some very strong moments that could really reach me, moments of anghuis and helplessness, in a way that he couldn't really get anyone, in other moments his smile were so sincere that he did also convinced me of that, or even in other that his eyes got full dark, then i could see how angry or confuse he was, i just think that there are some moments that i couldn't feel much himself, like, when he finally arrives to the moon, he could, just maybe, have had more expressions, but in overall he was really good. Claire Foy did a very good job, mainly in the able of caring to the others, to her husband and primarily to his children, i truly believed in her words, or when she got mad or frustated. Corey Stoll was a bit of a counterpoint, he was very extrovert, so he did nice.
The cinematography of the movie is great, first the camera being positioned in first person during some sequences, that is fantastic because we can go to what the character is seing and possibly feeling in the best possible way, that helped me to immerse in the movie during the most inconvenient moments. Another great thing about it, was in other times, not necessary being in first person, but letting the camera in the capsula where the astronauts were, so we didn't saw the whole rocket, we saw how they were, how suddently everything starts to swing and shake in a tremendous speed and very claustrophobic, they were very happy in this choice, it's great to see at their point. There also camera situations where you see the Earth from the space, The Moon from Earth and the Earth froom Moon, all of them are just deliciously splendid.
The soundtrack is another phenomenal part in here, it not just illustrates the scene, but in some it makes it seems like an full art, when they mix the soundtrack and the cinematography it becomes an art of the most high level, it got beautiful, the sounds are a very classic rythim that worked out a lot in every single moment, it helped to got me hyped, in other moments to get me thoughtful, and in others just the lack of music was also a great moment to implicit something, something that don't needed any sound or track.… Expand

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9

amheretojudgeOct 16, 2018

it shows numbers and facts..

First Man Chazelle's biopic walk on Neil Armstrong is for every man himself, losing itself in its spatial bubble, it is free from and as Foy once quotes, "..out of this world.." This sci-fi venture stands aloneit shows numbers and facts..

First Man

Chazelle's biopic walk on Neil Armstrong is for every man himself, losing itself in its spatial bubble, it is free from and as Foy once quotes, "..out of this world.." This sci-fi venture stands alone on depicting the actual vulnerability that one feels in such circumstances. Chazelle wanted to capture that exogenous experience on screen, and he does with such bravura and honesty that for the most part of it, it works like a horror. This horrifying feeling is something that Cuaron captured in "Gravity" few years back, but in here Chazelle's job is comparatively harder since the plot track doesn't demand it. And hence, he literally directs his guns to the mechanics of it, where nuts and bolts squeaking and weak metals that won't be able to save them from nature's strength, easily gives you the chills. It also portrays how mankind is and has always been ahead of its time where the theory outweighs the potential of the practicality. Through smaller technology, less accurate numbers, communication gap, narrow minded ideologies surrounding the society and the uncertainty of any piece of the knowledge, Chazelle keeps reminding you how painful was it to take such bold decisions with clock ticking behind them like a time bomb. He glorifies this entire journey through these moments and not its final steps. Singer's adaptation of the novel and Chazelle's execution of that adaptive and layered narration has certainly come with expectations, which is clearly surpassed in here. Ticking for more than two hours, the storytelling is thoroughly busy and competent with entire tale told with Gosling's perspective; it was a smart move to keep a pov shot in order to give the audience the experience of the thrills and horror by putting them in his shoes or even suit. The background score is mellow and beautiful and the sound effects are sharp and jaggerdly on mark from the spark that ignites a fire to a regulator being operated. Gosling has never been this good. He is just good. Within first few minutes, he melts you down and not with the pathos circumstances that he goes through, but the caring and responsible nature he has. He looks at his kids and there is a sense of awe in the air for his commitment and humbleness. Foy on the other hand, oozes power through her ashes, she mourns by getting back what's rightfully hers. She is a match to Gosling's reserved performance. Despite of all the polished finesse, the ruggedness is what stays with you and Chazelle encourages it, he repetitively shows the failures by obviously following the track but also reminiscing about the lost. And since he is aware of keeping these things on tightropes, the message never grows manipulative, it shows numbers and facts. Its structure is unlike any of the other biographies, it has only one act, that it tries to build up through its cunning conversations and layered dialogues. As much as Chazelle's accuracy and passion is plausible, First Man is Gosling's tale that he tells through his eyes under a space suit and inside that suit lies the reason why cinema exists.… Expand

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9

AndrewBurgeMar 2, 2019

Just what kind of man must you be not only to undergo the first ever Moon landing, but to do it with such a lack of fear despite having an insight into the amount of risks you undertake. Neil Armstrong, at least how he was portrayed by RyanJust what kind of man must you be not only to undergo the first ever Moon landing, but to do it with such a lack of fear despite having an insight into the amount of risks you undertake. Neil Armstrong, at least how he was portrayed by Ryan Gosling here, was such a man.

The first few scenes depict him flying a rocket plane when it inadvertently bounced off the atmosphere. He has a brush with death as he attempts to land it in the Mojave Desert. He succeeds, but for a man who has just been in the atmosphere a couple of minutes ago, then had a near-fatal crash, he was unmoved. Some people find this bland, but I find it fascinating. Not to mention the power of the scene was helped by Justin Hurwitz's ambitious score and Damien Chazelle's precise direction. The noises were brief, hard-hitting, the cogs could be heard breaking apart and the frames were mostly stationary feeling like an impact.

The film is also careful to make sure to keep you entertained even during the times when Neil is not in the cockpit. Of course, these moments are not as tense, they can't be, but Damien Chazelle crafts his opaque personality in a clever way. Early in the film, he loses Karen, his two-year-old daughter, to a brain tumor. This is the first of the many funeral scenes in the film. Throughout the film, he only mentions her once, to his colleague, Ed (Jason Clarke), but you can feel he is always thinking about her.

Somehow, Gosling's content portrayal carries this film. He remains apparently unmoved to the countless deaths of astronauts testing the Apollo Mission rocket, he always keeps a certain distance from his family. His wife, Janet (Claire Foy) is the one who from time to time breaks his wall and she is truly strong. But his pain does not come from fear to his job, as he loves it, but from loss. Always looking up at the Moon, maybe, just maybe, thinking that Karen is somewhere over there.

This might seem far-fetched, but his ambition is brought by pain. In the final scenes, when he steps on the Moon, he looks around as if he is not impressed, but disappointed. There is nothing and in the end, he drops Karen's bracelet on the ground and realizes this is it. This is all there is to it.… Expand

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9

GrantD243Oct 22, 2018

First Man follows NASA's pursuit to put a man on the moon, with Neil Armstrong (Ryan Gosling) being the main focus. It spans several years (1961-1969) and gives an in-depth look at Neil's life before and during his quest to reach the moon.First Man follows NASA's pursuit to put a man on the moon, with Neil Armstrong (Ryan Gosling) being the main focus. It spans several years (1961-1969) and gives an in-depth look at Neil's life before and during his quest to reach the moon. First Man marks yet another success for director Damien Chazelle, who has yet to disappoint me with a film of his. This film is beautifully shot, perfectly paced, and it has the emotional punch that I hope for from a period piece like this. Despite the long runtime (almost 2.5 hours), it doesn't feel like a drag in the slightest. I was locked in from the first scene to the last, and after I got out of the movie theater I already wanted to see it again. Ryan Gosling at least deserves an Oscar nomination for his portrayal of Neil Armstrong. From what I've gathered from interviews with Armstrong's sons, while Ryan's portrayal was rather stoic (as many of Ryan's roles are) he was pretty much on point with how he played Neil. Ryan is also able to convey so much while saying so little. He may not say much at all during the more emotional scenes, but in some ways that makes them even more impactful. We don't always need sobs and choked up ramblings to feel something from a scene. Claire Foy and Jason Clarke are also solid in their roles. The special effects are fantastic and there are some mesmerizing scenes in here that I look forward to seeing again. Screenwriter Josh Singer also has once again proven that he's a force to be reckoned with when it comes to period piece films, as he's three-for-three in my book (Spotlight, The Post, and First Man). Overall, I think this is one of the best films of the year so far.… Expand

0 of 3 users found this helpful03

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9

Taylord99Nov 2, 2018

Just over a week ago, I got to see First Man, which is directed by Damien Chazelle. He is known for directing La La Land and Whiplash, two films that I loved. Unlike his previous films, First Man is not about music and is about real events,Just over a week ago, I got to see First Man, which is directed by Damien Chazelle. He is known for directing La La Land and Whiplash, two films that I loved. Unlike his previous films, First Man is not about music and is about real events, specifically Neill Armstrong’s trials to become the first man to walk on the moon. The film focuses mainly on his family life and how he balances that with being an astronaut. This film surprised me as there were many details about Neill Armstrong that I never knew about before and apparently this film is very accurate as well. First of all, the acting in this film is top notch. Ryan Gosling gives a very grounded performance as Neill Armstrong and continues to convince me every year that he is a fantastic actor. I saw his incredible acting ability in Blade Runner 2049, The Nice Guys, and La La Land over the past two years. He made me feel attached to Neill Armstrong and made me sympathize and root for him throughout the movie. Claire Foy is also fantastic as Janet Armstrong and gives a very emotional and grounded performance. Like Gosling, she is convincing in every scene she is in. The supporting cast does a great job as well. The special effects and sound design are also extremely praise-worthy. There hasn’t been any other spaceflight movie quite like this one before. You hear every creak and every rattle in the spacecrafts and it feels very claustrophobic and sometimes even scary. This movie really captures the claustrophobia and fear that the astronauts surely experience during spaceflight, especially during this time period, I’m sure. In the 60s, spacecrafts were basically metal cans that were shot up into space and were not made for comfortability, only for function, so it would make sense that they wouldn’t be the quietest or safest things out there. The exterior space shots also look extremely realistic, especially the moon landing scene, which absolutely blew me away. The musical score is also done well by Justin Hurwitz, who also composed La La Land. On all levels, this film is masterful. It takes you on a soaring journey with a perfect balance of drama and suspense. I was glued to the screen from start to finish. The ending will surely dazzle you and may even make you shed a tear. Damien Chazelle proves that he is a very versatile director considering that he can direct movies with completely different themes, such as music and space, and do them both extremely well. I can’t wait to see what Damien Chazelle and Ryan Gosling due next.… Expand

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9

CosiMOLOGODec 16, 2018

Uno de los director contemporáneos más importante es Damien Chazelle. Con 4 películas, el joven realizador estadounidense fue poniendo una huella en el terreno del cine. Tomando notoriedad el 204 con Whiplash, en donde mostró su amor por laUno de los director contemporáneos más importante es Damien Chazelle. Con 4 películas, el joven realizador estadounidense fue poniendo una huella en el terreno del cine. Tomando notoriedad el 204 con Whiplash, en donde mostró su amor por la música. Luego siguió La la land, un musical que rinde homenaje al género y confirmaba. Ahora cambia completamente el tono de sus 3 películas anteriores y trae esta, que además de recordar el alunizaje es un retrato existencial de la vida de Neil Amstrong.

La verdadera fuerza de esta película no se encuentra en mostrar escenas emocionantes de efectos visuales, lo que sorprende es la belleza desgarradora que guardan las escenas cotidianas de la vida de Neil. Primeros planos muestran el talento Ryan Gosling, personaje contemplativo y silencioso, recordando mucho a su interpretación de K en Blade Runner 2049 el año pasado (cinta en la que su personaje comparte rasgos similares con Neil). Nuestro anti-héroe se resigna luego del fatídico suceso que afronta, para poder emprender una misión que pone en riesgo su vida, y su estabilidad familiar. Pero a la vez siendo un medio de superación y de duelo.

La que podría haber sido una cinta propagandística y de exaltación estadounidense Chazelle lo convierte en un relato profundo y serio. La capacidad actoral de Gosling y Foy y el montaje detallista y preciso dejan escenas de fuerte carga emocional. Chazelle ha traído su mejor película luego de Whiplash un relato elíptico e hipnotizante desde el primer momento. Justin Hurwitz, compañero inseparable de Chazelle no se queda sin merito, ahora logra aumentar las dosis de tensión y crear climas en las película, sin llegar a convertirla en efectista.

Una pena que haya sido prácticamente ignorada en las nominaciones a los Globos de Oro, y dando preferencia a cintas que claramente no se merecían estar allí. Pero no necesita ningún premio para dejar de ser estupenda.… Expand

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9

AlfatriMuhOct 13, 2018

The Good:
1. Original score, i would watch the film once again for the music alone.
2. Technical aspects (such camera movement and visual effect), using first person view was a good choice for such 'thrilling-biographical' movie like this,The Good:
1. Original score, i would watch the film once again for the music alone.
2. Technical aspects (such camera movement and visual effect), using first person view was a good choice for such 'thrilling-biographical' movie like this, it's too shaky for me though.
3. Tense build-up, second half of the film was the best.

Moderate:
1. Acting, nothing so special about the acting from both leading cast, but still a solid performance.
2. Story-telling/plot, the film was very long, but there's no much dialog, also the timeline moving way too fast compared with its slow-pace.

The Bad: Overlong and Slow-paced (especially first half through). I think 120-125 minutes was enough for this.

Conclusion: Easily becoming my top 3 Space-Drama film, alongside Interstellar and Gravity. 86/100… Expand

2 of 7 users found this helpful25

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9

AaronRadcliffOct 14, 2018

Thanks to an all-star cast in front of the camera and another Best Director-worthy outing by Damien Chazelle, First Man just might be the best space movie we've had.

1 of 7 users found this helpful16

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9

hof1991Oct 15, 2018

An excellent character study and look at the price paid by our heroes. Suspenseful (though everyone knows the end). Not for those who want lots of flagwaving or robots.

1 of 6 users found this helpful15

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9

Davidsco27Oct 25, 2018

This was an EXCELLENT film. Disclaimer: Not everyone will feel this way about the movie. This isn't a "Hollywood" movie about Neil Armstrong. This isn't Apollo 13, or even The Right Stuff. The director chose to make a film that puts theThis was an EXCELLENT film. Disclaimer: Not everyone will feel this way about the movie. This isn't a "Hollywood" movie about Neil Armstrong. This isn't Apollo 13, or even The Right Stuff. The director chose to make a film that puts the viewer there, watching the story and events unfold as they were. The cinematographer did a wonderful job of recreating the authentic look and feel of the 60's. Much of the film was shot almost "home movie" style adding to the experience. If you grew up in the time period, you will really appreciate this. If you were fascinated by the early space program, you will like this. If not, maybe not so much, as it's a little technical and plodding. Again, this is a film about the story and events, and about the man. You are watching the events happen. That being said, it did give some nice insight into Armstrong, and his family life, and some events that helped shape the man. STELLAR cast, interesting music choices, not just a bunch of period songs thrown in to sell a soundtrack. Gosling deserves recognition for his performance. He embodied the man for this movie. My recommendation, if you enjoy good cinema, see it… Expand

0 of 3 users found this helpful03

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9

MILKshake_VMDec 17, 2018

Beautiful poem about the achievements of man, and how Neil who is nothing more than one, didn't want the fame but to show all mankind what we can do. No other space movie makes you feel closer to science fiction than this, as the first stepBeautiful poem about the achievements of man, and how Neil who is nothing more than one, didn't want the fame but to show all mankind what we can do. No other space movie makes you feel closer to science fiction than this, as the first step to achieving a science fiction reality was landing on the moon. The loneliness of space, its vastness, Damian Chazelle captures the essence of one of mans greatest achievements in spirit and the prices all had to pay. While showing us the reward and to then question was it worth it. The re occurring imagery of space too was a nice attention to detail. With kids running around tree mimicking perhaps Apollo 13 around the moon? Or when two lovers dance between two lamps. One lit on unlit, like earth suspended between the star and the rock. A re-occurring theme also tends be darkness. The world seems to always be getting darker but i'm sure it stays the same throughout. Whether intentional or not i cant help but feel its to show that Neil is sacrificing so much just to land in darkness. It also portrays the damaged side of Neil and how his struggle with showing emotion. His stoic kindness is portrayed as rather private from even his wife and its a great contrast in scene of the moon landing. Showing his greatest achievement. Anyway i'm rambling and not making sense but this is a cool af movie. Highly reccomnded. Is however slow. If you cant appreciate good film and hate "slow" movies. Dont watch this. Keep watching brooklyn 99 where you can keep all 8 of your IQ points entertained.… Expand

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9

rwbronsonJan 17, 2019

One Giant Leap...

First Man Sound Score(20/20) Great use of high volume to make you feel you're there in the capsule, hearing every little creak of the walls and the roar of the engines. Apollo 1 Score(30/30) Knowing it's coming makes theOne Giant Leap...

First Man

Sound Score(20/20) Great use of high volume to make you feel you're there in the capsule, hearing every little creak of the walls and the roar of the engines.
Apollo 1 Score(30/30) Knowing it's coming makes the dread even worse. The "popping" of the hatch brought me to tears. When Neil tells Gilruth it's a little late to be questioning the human cost of the program you realize how much was risked by so many.
Astronauts Wive's Score(20/20) "You're just little boys making models of balsa wood!" "No, Henry! Those people don't put one piece of equipment on my lawn. If they have a problem with that, they can take it up with my husband. He'll be HOME... on FRIDAY!"
The wives get all the best lines don't they? And they die a little every hour until their men return safe, it they ever do.
Angel of Death Score(10/10) It's a miracle Neil lived long enough to be the first man on the moon. What an incredible effort by so many to make this happen.
"Moody" Neil Score(6/10) These seemed to come out of nowhere. The script needed better transitions to these scenes.
Lunar Descent Score(6/10) A fascinating visual experience but I wanted a better idea of the trajectory of their descent with more exterior shots. The sequence starts off that way but then shifts inside the capsule and stays there.

92/100… Expand

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9

JulianbrownJan 30, 2019

Hollywood’s go to young leading man Ryan Gosling (arguably usurped now by Bradley Cooper) playing first man on the moon, Neil Armstrong, enters the 1960’s cocooned inside a rocket with wings, bouncing off of the edge of the earth’sHollywood’s go to young leading man Ryan Gosling (arguably usurped now by Bradley Cooper) playing first man on the moon, Neil Armstrong, enters the 1960’s cocooned inside a rocket with wings, bouncing off of the edge of the earth’s atmosphere, almost achieving space flight before intending to. It’s a thrilling gut punch, full of the eerie silences, scraping metallic noises, whirring dials, serene beauty and absolute terror that inform much of the film’s sky high action. Quickly we are back to the suburban white-bread American home with his wife (played with wide-eyed edge by a stunning Claire Foy) and their young children, the youngest of whom is at the end of her short life.
First Man makes great use of these opposing environs, juxtaposing the near impossible danger of Armstrong’s day job, with resolutely normal home life – just with a little more relief greeting each, “Hi honey, I’m Home’. After Gosling’s Armstrong manages to score a spot on the nascent Gemini astronaut program, the wider cast of like-minded picket-fence adventurers assemble in a Houston via NASA recreation of suburbia. In particular he befriends fellow pilots, Elliot See (Patrick Fugit) and Ed White (the always excellent and increasingly prevalent Australian actor, Jason Clark).
If there are many praises I could sing about First Man, I’d start with it’s even handed, subtle dryness – my fears of a saccharine, noble, swelling, heroic guiding hand from Spielberg were completely unfounded, to the extent I wonder how much of his influence was flat out rejected. Chazelle doesn’t amplify faults or heroism to histrionic levels, neither does he engage in the kind of reductive moral absolutism and offensive simplification (bordering on propaganda) that blighted a film like American Sniper.
His cast are similarly allowed to breathe and exist without the awards-worthy grandstanding so common in “great” true life stories, Gosling’s low key internal performance (something a grand-stander like Cooper could learn from) won’t win him awards but is pitch-perfect for a modest, quiet man like Armstrong. The standout is undoubtedly British actress Claire Foy, as Armstrong’s wife Janet – she is magnetic without doing anything, her startled eyes conveying incredible building pressure, she owns every scene she is in and is almost the antithesis of the kind of American housewife we are used to in this terrain. Chazelle’s direction is mature, appropriate, sure-footed and intelligent throughout – rarely making himself centre-stage. Gone is the all-singing floral overkill of La La Land or the dynamic intensity of Whiplash, showing we are just coming to terms with his already formidable range (I could not tell you what I expect him to offer next). He handles the scary intensity of action, the mundanity of home life and the transitions between both with equal consistency. This already excellent and fascinating drama is elevated further by some stellar production values.
The sound is across the board magnificent – regular stalwart Justin Hurwitz’s score is one of the best in years, a sometimes exciting, sometimes haunting amalgam of period appropriate vintage electronica that heightens or enhances anything it touches. The broader spectrum of sound effects is equally compelling, particularly the clanking, creaking terror of the giant, possibly malevolent, shiny space beasts. The cinematography by is notably realistic – often the tranquil beauty of space collapsing into a vortex of impending, furious calamity.
First Man is a near magnificent biopic but more than that, it effortlessly sidesteps all the pitfalls of the overly heroic, simplistic, swelling, borderline jingoistic film I’d feared and for that Chazelle deserves all the praise. Much was ludicrously made of the failure to include Armstrong planting the US flag on the moon – in these polarized times, one single solitary moment can have an entire section of society write something off as the enemy.
The two true apexes of this story are not the flag planting anyway but that first step on truly foreign soil, by any living creature we know, and that creature’s return to his wife’s gaze – both handled beautifully and without embellishment. Spielberg may have been there to guide the young punk through the difficult terrain of a story as important to the American psyche as the moon landing, but after watching something like Spielberg’s clunky same-period The Post, First Man makes Chazelle look be the veteran.

8.5/10

Julian Brown – The Brown Note… Expand

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9

BrunoVn00Mar 30, 2019

An absolutely fantastic movie. Damien Chazelle, the director of La La Land, a musical, could make an excellent movie about the first landing on the moon, seems kind of odd and genuinely surprising.

The Good: -Amazing performances, speciallyAn absolutely fantastic movie. Damien Chazelle, the director of La La Land, a musical, could make an excellent movie about the first landing on the moon, seems kind of odd and genuinely surprising.

The Good:
-Amazing performances, specially from Claire Foy.
-Breathtaking space sequences, specially the opening scene.
-Speaking about the opening scene, it's one of the most impressive and intense opening scenes I've seen in a while, it really gives you an impression of what kind of movie you are watching.
-Some emotional and heartbreaking moments. It teaches you a lot about the struggles the NASA had before going to the moon.
-The pacing is good, it's not too slow to the point it becomes boring, nor it becomes too fast to the point you get lost on what's going on.
-The visual effects are amazing. Nothing in the movie looks fake.

The bad:
-Some camerawork. Most of the movie is all shaky. I know "shakycam" it's well used during the flight sequences but there are moments that don't need shakycam (like a normal conversation) where the movie uses it and it's kind of silly and distracting. Also many shots were out of focus.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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9

JiricekisbestAug 31, 2019

An amazing movie about landing on the moon. Maybe it is a pity that there is too much family and not so much training and the trip itself to the moon. The effects in this movie are very well done and I don't blame the film for winning anAn amazing movie about landing on the moon. Maybe it is a pity that there is too much family and not so much training and the trip itself to the moon. The effects in this movie are very well done and I don't blame the film for winning an Oscar. Maybe the truth is that the songs and sounds don't appear much here and that the film will be drawn to the end, but it is still a very well-made film with great acting performances.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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9

AWESOM-0Jan 26, 2020

Very, very good movie. Ryan Gosling does a great job in portraying Mr Armstrong (assuming that’s how he was). Plus, anytime you can debunk two conspiracy theories at the same time, that’s a bonus.

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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9

Movie_FreakAug 22, 2020

First Man is great! I watched this movie yesterday on Netflix and was totally into it from the first second. Almost everything is perfect. It didn't really focus much on Neil Armstrong's daughter's death or on his personal life which turnedFirst Man is great! I watched this movie yesterday on Netflix and was totally into it from the first second. Almost everything is perfect. It didn't really focus much on Neil Armstrong's daughter's death or on his personal life which turned out to be a very good thing. They didn't overdo it with the emotional aspects as well and kept everything remarkably believable. Add to that truly stunning sound effects ad you have a sensational watch. From a technical standpoint, First Man is truly incredible with astonishing visual effects, great camerawork and superb editing. The fact that this didn't win, or WASN'T EVEN NOMINATED for editing and cinematography at the oscars didn't make any sense. Possibly the only problem I had was the middle, when they seemed to slow down the pace of the film too much and just focus on the mission of docking was a bit boring and annoying. But even then, there's no doubt First Man is a feat of film making, with technical brilliance, great performances and direction!!!… Expand

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8

TVJerryOct 16, 2018

The opening sequence is an extended jet flight (with complications) from the cockpit POV. This sets up the perilous, sometimes inept situations in NASA's early space program…not all high tech and easy success. Ryan Gosling plays NeilThe opening sequence is an extended jet flight (with complications) from the cockpit POV. This sets up the perilous, sometimes inept situations in NASA's early space program…not all high tech and easy success. Ryan Gosling plays Neil Armstrong in this intimate look at the man, who was somewhat closed off (as was his wife, played by Claire Foy). Watching his career progress to the first moon landing is fascinating, but the noisy, claustrophobic, frantic missions go on too long and becomes more frustrating than tense. Director Damien Chazelle has instilled this version of space travel with his own closeup-crammed, warts-and-all portrait that's absolutely absorbing, but lite on emotional heft and profound impact.… Expand

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

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8

jgzegerFeb 16, 2019

There is no question that First Man is a high quality movie. First Man is probably the most realistic account of space travel ever made. It really captures the difficulty involved with the Apollo 11 mission, and makes you feel like you areThere is no question that First Man is a high quality movie. First Man is probably the most realistic account of space travel ever made. It really captures the difficulty involved with the Apollo 11 mission, and makes you feel like you are right there with the astronauts. Great direction by Damien Chazelle, fine performances by Ryan Gosling and Claire Foy, and some of the best hand-held camera work I have ever seen. Highly recommended.… Expand

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8

MattyiceOct 15, 2018

First Man's themes (similar to Chazelle's other movies), cinematography, sound design, score, and climax are major accomplishments and deserve awards recognition. However, the ability to like this movie is almost completely reliant on theFirst Man's themes (similar to Chazelle's other movies), cinematography, sound design, score, and climax are major accomplishments and deserve awards recognition. However, the ability to like this movie is almost completely reliant on the viewer's attention spans, because this movie is a slow burner at many points and Gosling's acting, while great, can be a bit wooden based on Neil's bland personality in real life. I personally liked this movie a lot, but understand how others can find it boring considering an adventure about Apollo 11 and space travel should be exhilarating.… Expand

2 of 6 users found this helpful24

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8

SoakerCityMar 3, 2020

A very good, very enjoyable film that might have benefitted from a less wooden lead, but hey maybe Neil Armstrong was that stern. I feel like we learned more about the situation than the man, who remains enigmatic, as portrayed by RyanA very good, very enjoyable film that might have benefitted from a less wooden lead, but hey maybe Neil Armstrong was that stern. I feel like we learned more about the situation than the man, who remains enigmatic, as portrayed by Ryan Gosling. The plot, cinemo, and effects are excellent, as is the supporting cast. This film was quite moving at many times. The space scenes and launches are extraordinarily well done. Inspiring.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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8

moviemitch96Oct 12, 2018

This was definitely the intriguing, awe-inspiring crowd pleaser I was hoping it'd be! Ryan Gosling fulfilled the role of Neil Armstrong quite well and tackled his larger than life story wonderfully! And despite knowing a lot about how thisThis was definitely the intriguing, awe-inspiring crowd pleaser I was hoping it'd be! Ryan Gosling fulfilled the role of Neil Armstrong quite well and tackled his larger than life story wonderfully! And despite knowing a lot about how this great historical event went down prior to seeing this, there were still plenty of tense moments accompanied by a great film score and tight editing throughout that managed to make it thoroughly compelling to watch! Overall, yes it may be pretty standard in terms of biopics, but it doesn't get much more inspiring (or patriotic for that matter) than this!… Expand

4 of 12 users found this helpful48

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8

MattBrady99Nov 9, 2018

“We choose to go to the Moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard”.

‘First Man’ is a lift off folks. A beautiful, yet melancholic look on a man’s journey to the moon. Focusing on grief“We choose to go to the Moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard”.

‘First Man’ is a lift off folks. A beautiful, yet melancholic look on a man’s journey to the moon. Focusing on grief and loss that can poison anyone's thoughts. At the end, you get the sad realization it was a suicide mission, not a heroic one. Making you think twice of wanting to be an astronaut.

Also, the stupid controversy surrounding the American flag is one of the most pointless up cries ever. Anywhere...

Ryan Gosling is great as Neil Armstrong. Now some people have criticized his performance as being “dull” or “stilted”. While not the most exciting or colorful performance of the year, but the same can be said about Armstrong as a person. Gosling performance as a calculated man who is somewhat cold to his family over a personal tragedy - it is more depressing when reflecting back. It makes it more powerful. I got more out of it than some people.

Claire Foy is also great - the relationship between her and Gosling is very believable. You really do feel her concerns, but frustration which was brilliantly represented, especially during the emotional scenes. However, I wish they wrote something better for Foy than play “the wife” at home.

Damien Chazelle, my main man. Back once again to blow my socks off. A complete departure compared to his previous films ‘Whiplash’ and ‘La La Land’, in terms of film making and themes. Visually striking with a 60’s-like archive look which fits the time period. The way Chazelles films space shuttles leaving earth’s atmosphere is terrifying, because it’s all from Neil’s point of view. One minute it’s blue sky, then pitch black. I think any movie that can me feel motion sickness is an achievement in my books. Plus the cinematography being shot on Techniscope cameras gives an organic and raw look. The close ups and tight spaces - it’s a claustrophobic nightmare.

The moon landing sequence is absolutely breathing and some of the best film making in the entire movie. It also contains one of the saddest scenes I've seen in awhile, which got my eyes leaking. I swear, if that didn’t happen and was made up for the movie, then I won’t be happy. Still, makes me wonder if Chazelle and Kubrick faked the moon landing together.

The sound design is incredible and adds to the fear of space travel. Whenever they leave earth’s orbit during the testing scenes with the shuttle rattling and the sound of mental weakening - you literally keep expecting the shuttle to fall into pieces at any moment. Along with thundering engines from the rockets; it increase the tension of each test.

For issues: The movie is too long with the run time hurting the flow. I wasn’t bored or anything, just some scenes felt slow and worn out. Judging from the trailers, I guess there’s a longer cut, because of the scenes that are not in the movie.

The score could’ve been more memorable, in my opinion. I honestly don’t remember it, which is a shame as space films usually have great scores. Again, not bad, just decent.

Overall rating: Not the best Chazelle movie compared to his other work, but still a compelling character study on burying grief, while lost in the stars. Drifting away into that good night. Karen Armstrong, the star child.… Expand

0 of 4 users found this helpful04

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8

moviecritic68Oct 18, 2018

Thoroughly enjoyed this movie. Learned unknown facts about the personal life of Neil Armstrong. Sound track was awesome. As usual disregard the non-deserving negative ratings.

1 of 6 users found this helpful15

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8

johnem95Oct 12, 2018

"First Man" is a personal look at one of American culture's humblest heroes, with space sequences so overwhelming, they'll single-handedly make you respect Neil all the more.

3 of 10 users found this helpful37

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8

WWEJoker2013Oct 20, 2018

This movie has its flaws, like a really slow first act. But the performances by its main actors plus a really amazing final act make this one of the best movies of the year.

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

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8

IzagoOct 22, 2018

A fotografia do filme, efeitos sonoros o ranger do metal é incrível, trilha sonora muito boa com várias músicas de dar um up em cada cena, a atuação de Ryan foi boa, e a de Claire foi na mesma pegada com cenas de maior impressão, mas o filmeA fotografia do filme, efeitos sonoros o ranger do metal é incrível, trilha sonora muito boa com várias músicas de dar um up em cada cena, a atuação de Ryan foi boa, e a de Claire foi na mesma pegada com cenas de maior impressão, mas o filme é igual um foguete começa de baixo até subir a lua, começa bem normal e vai melhorando bem lentamente. Muito bom o filme e não é o melhor de Damien.… Expand

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

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8

The3AcademySinsJul 22, 2019

The third film from Damien Chazelle definitely does its best to change up his formula, and he does a fantastic job of expanding on his style. The music and production design are incredible, as is par for the course. Ryan Gosling gives aThe third film from Damien Chazelle definitely does its best to change up his formula, and he does a fantastic job of expanding on his style. The music and production design are incredible, as is par for the course. Ryan Gosling gives a grounded, breathtaking performance, and does a lot of justice to Neil Armstrong as he is portrayed in James R. Hansen's novel. The cinematography is top notch, and apart from being unnecessarily slow at times, this is a wonderful real-life drama.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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8

Creeper3455Nov 2, 2018

“Our movie about Neil Armstrong isn't doing well at the Box Office? Fine,we'll take it from here with Michael Myers” -Some random imbecile at Universal Pictures AKA that one dude who won't know how enthralling First Man is.
But in all“Our movie about Neil Armstrong isn't doing well at the Box Office? Fine,we'll take it from here with Michael Myers” -Some random imbecile at Universal Pictures AKA that one dude who won't know how enthralling First Man is.
But in all seriousness,First Man is destined to have a huge impact on everyone's minds. Also WARNING,I guess: This will be another bias on how IMAX is still the best place to watch a movie...Even if everyone should expect that from now.
So,to start things off,don't worry. for a movie that narrates the events between 1961 and 1969,it doesn't jump from year to year. You'll experience huge time jumps,while at the same time exploring how many tears and oil splatter it took to make this big leap (no pun intended),alongside Ryan Gosling playing Neil Armstrong amsterfully and a Claire Foy who feels pretty stale in emotions throughout,carrying the “seriously worried” look every 24/7.
Also,just like A Quiet Place,sometimes the Sound Effects help carrying the story. Whether it's a BEEP or the sound of an alarm,it still pulls you through. Speaking of sound,man. With every missile engine going and the sound STRONGLY fading away after the moon landing,things won't get any louder than that… Until the next Godzilla movie comes out.
If there’s a thing I can praise the most alongside the story is the Production Design. Nothing great on it,but there always was that feeling of pure classic reality through the movie,followed by grainy 35mm footage that feels like it came out 1 or 2 years after the Moon Landing actually happened….Until the IMAX Footage kicks in,in that case...Well,it’s great as always,but that’s to be expected from IMAX…
For issues and headaches,there was an overuse of Shaky Cam throughout the movie...Not all of it,as the IMAX Sequences were slow and perfectly normal.
And the score by Justin Hurwitz is weird at times. Had Thomas Newman been the composer,I could see his direction,instead of “Oh,I’ll try my best to make that campy 70s space movie feeling with the music”.
But in that case...Hell,this must be tough… This may be the second shortest review I’ve ever done (Revenge is still on top) since everything about it felt great...And seeing it with a friend in IMAX was enthralling. SPOILERS: He loved the hell out of it,and I’m glad he did. Everyone needs to discover these new ways of immersing you into the movie… They’re really worth the $20 or 30. Oh shoot,the movie. First Man is an amazing albeit tension-filled time at the movies,with Ryan Gosling’s calmest role since...Ever?
And hey,for a director who’s all about music...This was a pivotal change of pace!… Expand

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8

Captain105Oct 15, 2018

First Man is like a unrefined piece of art. With music perfectly coordinated with the shots. But being unrefined has its problems as much as it has its advantages. Sometimes the realism gets out of control and after multiple incidents ofFirst Man is like a unrefined piece of art. With music perfectly coordinated with the shots. But being unrefined has its problems as much as it has its advantages. Sometimes the realism gets out of control and after multiple incidents of being shaken around you want to have a big reveal when they land on the moon. The movie is lacking the wonder and power of space. It show’s us the realism of the difficulties to get there.
It puts other space travel films to shame.… Expand

1 of 5 users found this helpful14

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8

icotzabbSep 28, 2020

The unexpected joy of First Man arises not from the penultimate act of "slipping earths bonds" but rather from understanding the unrelenting personal tragedies for those involved. Couple that with breathtaking visuals and a masterfullyThe unexpected joy of First Man arises not from the penultimate act of "slipping earths bonds" but rather from understanding the unrelenting personal tragedies for those involved. Couple that with breathtaking visuals and a masterfully understated substructure and you are quite literally thrown not only into the lunar module but you feel the stakes and are bound to the earth by the weight of the human experience, such that the trip is made all the more gratifying… Expand

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8

LivingTribunalDec 26, 2018

The ost makes everything possible. It's another magic that space can create. When he finally landed on moon, it was so emotional that it made so many people cry including me. This film is feels like a 1 hour long waltz.

2 of 4 users found this helpful22

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8

JackusBlackusOct 26, 2018

Don't go into this movie thinking it is "The Right Stuff". This is a very personal story of the space program from the perspectives of Neil Armstrong and his wife, Janet. While other accounts focus on the spectacle and heroics of the GeminiDon't go into this movie thinking it is "The Right Stuff". This is a very personal story of the space program from the perspectives of Neil Armstrong and his wife, Janet. While other accounts focus on the spectacle and heroics of the Gemini and Apollo programs, this one focuses on the people and their experiences. I think it gives new insight into what it must have been like to be an astronaut.

As a side note, the sound is incredible -- I expect it to win some awards.… Expand

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8

FisherPlaceOct 26, 2018

First Man was great, it felt like you were Neil Amstrong and talked about his secret life. The music was excellent and the visuals were terrific. Except I wished they would put more time into Apollo 11, it felt short and its one of the mostFirst Man was great, it felt like you were Neil Amstrong and talked about his secret life. The music was excellent and the visuals were terrific. Except I wished they would put more time into Apollo 11, it felt short and its one of the most important part of the movie.… Expand

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8

ricksmits777Oct 13, 2018

Thoroughly enjoyable. Fully deserves to join "The Right Stuff" and "Apollo 13" in an epic telling of a subject that so many of us find irresistible and magic. One little whinge. Chazelle's use of the shaky camera is a little overdone.Thoroughly enjoyable. Fully deserves to join "The Right Stuff" and "Apollo 13" in an epic telling of a subject that so many of us find irresistible and magic. One little whinge. Chazelle's use of the shaky camera is a little overdone. Perfect for adding to the trepidation of mechanical failure, but too much when two wives are sharing their grief and concerns. Wonderful performances all-round. A must watch on as big a screen as you can find.… Expand

3 of 11 users found this helpful38

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8

SoxmanOct 21, 2018

First Man was pretty great. Damien Chazelle changes things up in this movie. The movie is about Neil Armstrong and it's done perfectly. The presentation is great, the cinematography is awesome and the special effects are great. The movie isFirst Man was pretty great. Damien Chazelle changes things up in this movie. The movie is about Neil Armstrong and it's done perfectly. The presentation is great, the cinematography is awesome and the special effects are great. The movie is very grounded in its presentation which works really well and doesn’t make this movie very cheesy and corny. All the performances were great, even the child actors(although they didn’t speak much). The soundtrack is the weakest part of the film. It is not bad and it has a nice main theme but its still a little unimpressive. This movie on a technical level, barring the music was awesome. I loved it!… Expand

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8

movieducationOct 24, 2018

Chazelle operates heavy machinery by playing russian roulette with space in FIRST MAN, but the most enticing part is not the sphere, it's the turmoil, the beauty of the ones who are left behind, and Armstrong with all gravity pressing on him.

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8

LajaleaaNov 9, 2018

"I'm down."

( 80/100 ) De uno de los directores más prometedores del cine de Hollywood actual; una de las personalidades más enfocadas, apasionadas y dinámicas que han surgido en la historia del séptimo arte y de la mente de una de las"I'm down."

( 80/100 )

De uno de los directores más prometedores del cine de Hollywood actual; una de las personalidades más enfocadas, apasionadas y dinámicas que han surgido en la historia del séptimo arte y de la mente de una de las visiones más audaces y amplias que han ganado fama. Damien Chazelle nos presenta el cuarto film de su carrera artística y profesional después de las inmediatamente aclamadas Whiplash y La La Land quienes le dieron presencia al director no solo en los Academy Awards sino en el corazón de los músicos empedernidos y la juventud inspirada.
Chazelle, es muy joven y no es muy difícil caer en el hecho de que su cine irradia esa energía. La juventud actual puede encariñarse fácilmente, no solo con las narrativas que procrea Chazelle, sino con su técnica también, pues ha mostrado ser un chico inteligente que sabe y se responsabiliza por la estética, el estilo y el desarrollo de sus audiovisuales. Lo hemos visto en la intensidad de Whiplash y en la sensibilidad de La La Land y éste año ha decidido mostrarnos su lado más personal e intimo. First Man es una historia escrita por Josh Singer basada en el libro de James R. Hansen llamado "First Man: The Life of Neil A. Armstrong" publicado en el 2005. First Man es el lado más adulto y maduro de Chazelle y en su intento de expresar eso atinó y falló en varios aspectos. El libro en el que está basada ésta #película es una biografía y no estoy seguro de como surgió el material correcto para crear una narrativa novelista, pero si algo es evidente es que gracias a los diálogos y testimonios que se presentan en el libro se construyeron a los personajes y las situaciones. Recuerdo que cuando salí de la sala escuché varios comentarios sobre lo "aburrida" o "lenta" que fue, pero yo no la denominaría de esa forma, en lo que sí estoy de acuerdo es que una experiencia pesada. La película retrata únicamente la vida personal, el semblante y el perfil de Neil Armstrong, no toma en cuenta las influencias y el contexto que lo formó y convirtió en la persona rígida, seca y vacía que se muestra y, por lo tanto, en toda ella, el público carga con una historia sobre un hombre pesado de tratar y enormemente sensible. Las reacciones que Ryan Gosling le da a su personaje son las correctas y son coherentes con la narrativa y con el contexto real, sin embargo el problema está en el desapego que le tiene a su propia vida y, por lo tanto, el público no logra empatizar totalmente con Armstrong. Por otro lado tenemos a Claire Foy, quien es la alternativa a Armstrong y quien debería ser el lado humano, apegado a la vida y preocupado por la personalidad central en su vida y en la narrativa. Foy interpreta su papel con puntualidad y hay momentos en los que ambos logran una intensidad correcta en la pantalla, pero fuera de ese par de escenas no se le da a Foy el enfoque suficiente para qué el público sea partidario de su postura.
Por lo tanto, técnicamente Chazelle opta por enfocarse en la vida y vista de Armstrong de la forma más literal en la que se le ocurrió: con Close Ups. El 80% de la película está filmada con Close Ups y eso apoya la pesades en la narrativa visual. Ya estemos en una habitación, en un campo abierto o dentro de la nave, Chazelle nos encierra en el rostro de Gosling para que no nos perdamos ni un solo momento de sus reacciones ante cualquier situación. El otro 20% de la práctica técnica se hace con Establishing Shots y una mínima cantidad de Medium Shots o Shots cuya composición implique más de un plano visual. No hay momentos en los que haya una liberación o descanso visual y por lo tanto la película nos satura con detalles y expresiones. Sin embargo no puedo decir que no hay una buena composición en esos detalles, en la imagen o en cualquier toma. La fotografía siempre está bien cuidada y la técnica de la cámara también se permite lucir recalcando el estilo y firma del director. Aunque no es espectacular, sí hay dinamismo, pero lo que más decora la narrativa es la música, compuesta por Justin Hurwitz, con quien Chazelle ha trabajado en todas sus películas. Hurwitz logra equilibrar el peso dramático de la historia con un tono sensible pero inocente, casi infantil, que nos permite ver a Armstrong como un adulto pero escucharlo como un niño, espantando por la inmensidad del mundo y lo pequeño de su existencia.
Concluí que ésta no es una mala película. El chico está sumergido en su propia cultura y no tiene miedo de honrarla, ya sea a través de la música o de los héroes de su historia, él es capaz de generar presencia en la voz de las sociedades, ya sea con gestos de admiración o con debates. Lo que es indudable es que su dirección no lo ha defraudado, pues cada historia que cuenta está cuidada en todos los aspectos necesarios para colocarse por arriba del promedio de la calidad artística que se presenta en esa temporada y First Man no es la excepción.… Expand

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8

ItsJustArcherNov 2, 2018

First Man proves that Damien Chazelle can direct a damn good movie whether it's a musical or not. Although I have a few issues with the film, the overall experience I got from the film was just breathtaking and out of this world... literally!First Man proves that Damien Chazelle can direct a damn good movie whether it's a musical or not. Although I have a few issues with the film, the overall experience I got from the film was just breathtaking and out of this world... literally! This is definitely a great film to watch in theaters.

Like I said, I have a few issues with the film. For one, the cinematography, although it's mostly great. Sometimes I just can't focus too much on the screen because of some shaky cam shots. I admire the fact that most of the film's shots are close-up shots of the characters' faces, the similar way The Safdie Brothers' Good Time was shot. Because that way, we get to see the characters' emotion fully expressed in the scenes, although admittedly, this distracted me a bit because I feel like I wanted to see more of the characters' environment. Another problem is that the ending felt anticlimactic. It was subtle, yes, but it made me wanting more, in a bad way because of how much I was invested with the story that I wanted to see what happens afterwards.

Other than that, this movie was pretty great! The '60s atmosphere of the film felt real because most of the film (correct me if I'm wrong) is shot on film, which gives the grainy-ish texture of the cinematography on screen. The atmosphere and tone of the film was consistent. The scenes that take place on NASA and on the moon were intense. The Gemini 8 sequence is one of the most breathtaking and intense moments I have ever seen in a long time and it gave me chills and goosebumps for a while. And the music, although I thought it could've been better, really fits with the scenes that play the score. Ryan Gosling does a great job, as always. All the actors did a great job. And the script was well written. And I had a blast with this film. Go see this film!… Expand

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8

Diego96Jul 21, 2023

Although not better or on the same level as "Whiplash" and "La La Land", "First Man" is a good movie and deserved more appreciation from the public, but ended up being underestimated. The main positive point of the film, without a doubt, areAlthough not better or on the same level as "Whiplash" and "La La Land", "First Man" is a good movie and deserved more appreciation from the public, but ended up being underestimated. The main positive point of the film, without a doubt, are its visual effects.… Expand

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8

dennis_gtNov 26, 2018

I would have liked a little more space & action. I don't know if the director didn't have the budget, didn't have the skill, or just didn't want to undermine the character portrait. But most of the intense scenes are just shots of GoslingI would have liked a little more space & action. I don't know if the director didn't have the budget, didn't have the skill, or just didn't want to undermine the character portrait. But most of the intense scenes are just shots of Gosling sitting in a plane or space craft and looking stressed. I feel like there was room for a little more bombast. But maybe I'm wrong.

Still, this movie was really good and very well-written. I'm not in love with any of the performances or the direction, but they're also good. The director made a choice and stuck with it. But the film itself is a very affecting portrait of a man that most of us know very little about who did extraordinary things while risking his life for reasons that are a little unclear, considering he had a family who probably cared about his safety.… Expand

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8

FeudDec 5, 2018

Very beautiful and unique way of telling this story. Eventhough it is pretty slow at times, it was always well acted and well shot. Ryan Gosling is perfect for a role like this where he can play someone who is very reserved.
The moon sequenceVery beautiful and unique way of telling this story. Eventhough it is pretty slow at times, it was always well acted and well shot. Ryan Gosling is perfect for a role like this where he can play someone who is very reserved.
The moon sequence was amazing and every scene in an aircraft was nerve wracking.… Expand

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8

ahmedaiman1999Mar 4, 2019

Damien Chazelle has designed claustrophobic atmosphere to externally replicate the melancholy that surrounds our grief-stricken protagonist and his family. Moreover, the contrast between the omen of failure that permeates almost every sceneDamien Chazelle has designed claustrophobic atmosphere to externally replicate the melancholy that surrounds our grief-stricken protagonist and his family. Moreover, the contrast between the omen of failure that permeates almost every scene and Armstrong's commitment to achieve his goal added up something quite special to the movie.

Besides being devastated and heartbroken, we often see that Armstrong is incapable of communicating or expressing his feelings to his dearest ones. And there are few actors nowadays who can portray such an introvert character dealing with repressed emotions, depression and anxiety. Actually there might be no one who is up for this task, except for one guy; the inimitable awesome Canadian, Ryan Gosling, who is able to express any character's feelings with the slightest and simplest facial expressions. Claire Foy is almost equally brilliant. And it weren't for her and Gosling, it would be extremely difficult for me to feel any tension and sorrow at certain moments in the movie.

Speaking of which, the movie suffers a great deal on the dramatic level, despite all the feels Chazelle and the two leads have succeeded to convey. First and foremost, the documentary-like structure of the movie hindered the experience of watching it so badly. The movie contains of chapters that don't always even seem to be connected to each other. Sometimes the movie simply jumps from an event to another, and then tries to convince us that it's all related by showing how our protagonist is traumatized by a certain tragic incident. That leads us to my second issue, which is this very tragic incident. Despite the fact it plays a major part in the story and not only for the sake of emotional manipulation, this tragedy that the movie leans upon solely as a motivation for the protagonist, as well as an integral part of the dramatic aspect, is clichéd, unconvincing, surprisingly weak, and utilized quite poorly. It's a miracle that it worked very well at the end as well as everything else in the awe-inspiring, breathtaking, gorgeous-looking, extremely intense and immensely satisfying final act that followed a thrilling climax.

First Man is one of those biopics where you know what is about to happen, but can't help but get caught up in the rising suspense of its breathtaking scenes. The movie should have been nominated from the Academy in many other categories, including best Cinematography, and, of course, Best Actor and Actress in Leading Roles for Gosling and Foy, respectively. I would be lying if I said that I didn't find it a bit disappointing, but it's only so because I expected better, or rather to be permanently engaged throughout its running-time, from one of my all-time favorite filmmakers.

(8/10)… Expand

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8

DP-2187Jan 1, 2019

With each movie Damien Chazelle releases, it is hard to discern as to which is his best, and First Man does not derail from this trend. First Man defies that the norms that we have come to expect by unabashedly focusing on the characters,With each movie Damien Chazelle releases, it is hard to discern as to which is his best, and First Man does not derail from this trend. First Man defies that the norms that we have come to expect by unabashedly focusing on the characters, rather than a journey to the final frontier and the wonder, curiosity, the drive for exploration and the setbacks along the way, that comes with it. It focuses on the sorrow that comes with losing loved ones, the fear that comes a profession rife with risk, the struggle to reassure oneself as well as loved ones of a positive outcome and the drive to carry on and persevere despite the adversity.
The story and the struggle are brought to life by the film's leads, Ryan Gosling, who yet again proves himself to be an actor of high caliber and not another wallpaper for the phones of preteen girls, with a realistic and sincere portrayal of Neil Armstrong, telling us his untold experiences with respect and integrity; and Claire Foy, playing the voice of fear and paranoia, Jan Armstrong, with such honesty and empathy, that makes Jan, the best character in the film and Mrs. Foy, a tour de force in modern cinema.
It is evident in First Man's camera work and score, the the cinematographers and composer are able to compliment the movie with up-close and personal shots, that fit First Man's personal and dramatic tale, unlike most dramas with a grandiose setting such as There Will Be Blood or Full Metal Jacket. Justin Hurwitz proves again, for the third time, that he is able to set the mood and enhance the themes expressed throughout the film, with his subtle yet awe-inspiring synthesizer score.
Whilst there is a lot to praise First Man for, its editing is not one of those aspects. First Man's editing was shockingly disappointing, especially considering Chazelle's other films, Whiplash and La La Land, had editing that perfectly complimented their stories. It felt like a poorly made Nolan film, trying to comprehend and rearrange the scenes, to make some sense of them. At times, I felt that the team could have added more to better enforce the the mood and tone of the film. Verdict: Chazelle proves that he is capable of capturing tales of a larger scale, while remaining true to what he does best. Josh Singer's work in putting characters in the limelight, proves to encourage a new perspective on storytelling. The cast is stellar and deserving of all the praise received and the same can be said for the rest of the production team. Despite its poor editing, the direction, acting, story, score, special effects and production quality, each are reason enough to watch First Man.… Expand

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8

Josephgamers65Jun 5, 2021

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. First Man is one of my fav movies of 2018 I love the beginning of space like apollo 13 first man apollo 13 is one of my fav movies from that This movie is about Neil Armstrong going to the moon on Apollo 11 while his daughter had cancer she died which really messed with Neil that started him to really not have to speak to Elliot is one of his friends loses him also I believe in a crash than an apollo one had a fire that made him more more emotion for him for his character so he does not what to say anymore to his wife and his kids also this movie is good very good accurate of Neil Armstrong pass and the space mission also I do like this is focused on Neil Armstrong, not just the mission you care what Neil Armstrong is going through the shots In this movie is so beautiful I love space so watching this movie is just remarkable one of my fav scenes in this entire movie is the bracelet scene was emotional to watch Ryan Gosling as Neil Armstrong is really good it make since why he does what he does people say that it is not that strong it is to me it make since why he acts like that now the really only thing what is holding this back to me is that runtime it is a little long so u start to wonder is it going to pick up from the beginning not really But this movie is one of my fav space movies and my fav movie from 2018 so I give First Man an B+… Expand

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8

HollywoodGleeNov 27, 2019

First Man (2018), a newly released biopic on the Space Era Neil Armstrong, from self-
claimed film auteur and Academy Award-Winning Director, Damian Chazelle (La La Land), hits all the marks for a successful box office take in the currentFirst Man (2018), a newly released biopic on the Space Era Neil Armstrong, from self-
claimed film auteur and Academy Award-Winning Director, Damian Chazelle (La La Land), hits all the marks for a successful box office take in the current climate. First Man has already received nominations for best film from the Oscar-campaign-launching, Venice International Film Festival (Golden Lion Award) and the massive Toronto International Film Festival (The People’s Choice Award).

Oscar-winning, La La Land composer extraordinaire, Justin Hurwitz, returns to the Chazelle fold, bringing slightly more than is required for effect with a mesmerizing First Man score. Hurwitz creates such a beautiful composition it is easy to overlook its occasional intrusiveness. Linus Sandgren (Best Cinematography Oscar for La La Land) is also back with his roving camera movement which is a bit dizzying. For the most part, despite a jar or two (not surprising with Sandgren’s camera shooting style) Editor Tom Cross, kept the flow fairly continuous, if not seamless. And, last but not least, Canadian-born actor, Ryan Gosling, resumes his La La Land Sebastian minimalist acting style, as Neil Armstrong. Jason Clarke and Kyle Chandler provide excellent supporting characters as Edward Higgins White and Deke Slayton. Claire Foy turns in the film’s deep, emotional performance as Janet Armstrong, wife of Neil Armstrong, that the other characters either don’t bring or can’t bring to the story. Gosling almost gets there! The costuming, hair, makeup and production design all add credence to the depicted period in a convincing manner.

All in all, First Man is a nicely done film and it moves Director Chazelle up a notch on the Hollywood list of bigger budgeted films. Surprisingly, or unsurprisingly, Steven Spielberg received an Executive Producer credit. Nevertheless. the opening sequence, glaringly fails. The imagery is blatantly and conspicuously shot in an empty studio. I know Chazelle felt the lack of a bigger budget with La La Land not only curtailed his efforts but hamstrung his vision of a big-production, Hollywood-style musical of yesteryear. I like all three of Director Chazzelle’s full-length, feature films; Whiplash (2014) La La Land (2016) and First Man (2018).

As I watched the credits roll yesterday night, I noticed the film was based on the New York Times Bestseller First Man: The Life of Neil A. Armstrong from James R. Hansen (who seemingly makes a cameo in the film). Josh Singer [The Post (2017) and Spotlight (2015)] gets credit for the screenplay. In my opinion, the best part of the film, by far, is the special effects. And Chazelle shot on 35MM with IMAX cameras.

The spectacular rocket launches and the use of mirror-effects heighten sensibilities. Furthermore, the use of smoke and gasses also added a deft sense of the surreal and a touch of dream logic. Also, Chazelle pumps in some nice archival footage and effectively utilizes foreshadowing with early frames of daytime, lunar shots. Screenwriter Singer also weaves some heady lines referencing an often under-reported and underappreciated aspect of the Space Program and NASA. Rory Kennedy’s documentary, Above and Beyond: NASA’s Journey to Tomorrow recently aired on Discovery Channel, October 13th, and details NASA’s mission as a viable reporting agency on the health of Planet Earth and Singer encodes this concept as Armstrong is asked, “Why do we explore and travel in space?”

Smartly crafting a timely topic of space exploration and NASA, Chazelle and company manage to bring the vessel home and to fruition with another buzz-worthy, award-contending product with First Man. What the film does well, it does very well! Warmly recommended.… Expand

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8

TheEventsOf1989Jan 10, 2020

"First Man" is a haunting exploration of Neil Armstrong's emotional journey. While most of the major reveals are known, it still seems as though not many people are aware of Neil's struggles. There isn't any "Oh **** reveals, but most dramas"First Man" is a haunting exploration of Neil Armstrong's emotional journey. While most of the major reveals are known, it still seems as though not many people are aware of Neil's struggles. There isn't any "Oh **** reveals, but most dramas don't need any. The film is slow, that doesn't mean its boring. The visuals are excellent.… Expand

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8

geewahDec 26, 2020

Well produced biopic that uses Armstrong's personal tragedy to great effect without being overly soppy.
Gosling is perfectly cast as Neil Armstrong.

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8

nnogohkoSep 2, 2022

I love this movie. Linus Sandgren's cinematography is just so beautiful and that alone is enough to see this film. How Damian Chazelle seamlessly captures Neil Armstrong's brutal personal life trying to get to the moon is simply aweI love this movie. Linus Sandgren's cinematography is just so beautiful and that alone is enough to see this film. How Damian Chazelle seamlessly captures Neil Armstrong's brutal personal life trying to get to the moon is simply awe inspiring. The family scenes are one of my favorite moments in the film and it all feels poignant yet magical for some reason. I don't really know how he did it. This film is also pretty tragic and I love that it depicted the extremely dangerous side of the mission pretty intensively, not just glossing over it. Ryan Gosling and Claire Foy are magnificent as their respective roles and the supporting actors like Jason Clarke and This is one of those films I regret to have not seen in theaters, in an IMAX screen. I have watched my blu ray copy numerous times now and even on my TV screen, I can feel the rattling and the claustrophobic feeling in the X15. The only times when the film does drag is in the middle section where the film decides to depict the conferences of the mission and some political subtext even though the heart of the film was Neil Armstrong's personal journey. Those minor flaws aside, this film is a must see and I hope it gets a re-release in an IMAX screen again sometime.… Expand

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8

CarlElmoreNov 22, 2022

The moon landing scene is probably one of the best outer space scenes in a film.

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7

LoudSpeakerOct 28, 2018

The performance of Ryan Gosling and Claire Foy are outstanding. No doubts about that! But, in my opinion, the script could be better.

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7

netflicOct 15, 2018

This is a biopic about the first man on the Moon, Neil Armstrong.
Space exploration is inherently a very dangerous business, especially human exploration, because, as we know, space is deadly.
There are so many things that can (and often do)This is a biopic about the first man on the Moon, Neil Armstrong.
Space exploration is inherently a very dangerous business, especially human exploration, because, as we know, space is deadly.
There are so many things that can (and often do) go wrong, with catastrophic consequences.
But human curiosity and drive for knowledge push the mankind forward.
The more difficult an obstacle is, the more vigorous person it takes to beat it and prevail.
Authors of the movie tried to show how many losses Neil had to endure in his family life and due to the nature of this business. To do that, they used something like time-lapse technique, compressing 8 years of his life that led to the Apollo 11 mission to the Moon into two-hour-plus movie frame. I would not call execution of this time-lapse perfect.
But cinematography is amazing and two leads' performances are stellar.
Presence effect was such that I felt like I was inside the spaceship.
If you do not have motion sickness, go see it in a theater. It requires a huge screen.… Expand

1 of 4 users found this helpful13

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7

TyranianApr 8, 2019

Pretty good retelling of moon landing with some very good visuals though Armstrong is a snore.

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7

JoeCoolMar 10, 2019

Beautiful, well acted and made, but after the start it just gets a bit too slow to my liking. It makes a couple of worthwhile points and is definately worth seeing. Just don't expect too much, it's not as epic as you might hope.

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7

keanexMar 27, 2020

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I love Damien Chazelle, Ryan Gosling is my favorite actor, and the moon interests me, despite that, I found First Man to be adequate at best. I don't know how much of it is Hollywood vs truth, but I felt that the movie did a decent job portraying the excitement and fear that would have been present in the world at the time surrounding the moon race. It was cool to learn about the trials and tribulations leading up to the Moon landing, and it was gorgeous seeing the Moon portrayed in the movie. I felt pretty uninspired though, and finished it over two nights because it didn't hold my attention well.… Expand

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7

ProteusOct 14, 2018

Not a crowd pleaser, not a deep psychological story, not a thriller, not an effective drama. What is this movie? I see why the audience reactions are tepid. It seems like something big, something dramatic should be happening....so where isNot a crowd pleaser, not a deep psychological story, not a thriller, not an effective drama. What is this movie? I see why the audience reactions are tepid. It seems like something big, something dramatic should be happening....so where is it?
The director never delivers.… Expand

2 of 6 users found this helpful24

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7

WaelFeb 9, 2019

A nice visual experience depicting the American tries to land on the moon in the 1960s, "First Man" stars Ryan Gosling as Neil Armstrong, and has an mindblowing score. It's important to note the continuation of Damien Chazelle's themes ofA nice visual experience depicting the American tries to land on the moon in the 1960s, "First Man" stars Ryan Gosling as Neil Armstrong, and has an mindblowing score. It's important to note the continuation of Damien Chazelle's themes of dreams and making sacrifices to get to your goal, which we previously saw in "La La Land" and "Whisplash".… Expand

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7

GinaKJan 28, 2019

A dour and surprisingly dull-spirited account of what I remember as an exciting time in America. I also remember that astronauts smiled back then, and still do today. I also remember America’s enthusiasm for the astronauts. By focusing soA dour and surprisingly dull-spirited account of what I remember as an exciting time in America. I also remember that astronauts smiled back then, and still do today. I also remember America’s enthusiasm for the astronauts. By focusing so much on the death of Armstrong’s daughter, Armstrong becomes a hollow man rather than a heroic one. My relatively high score for this film is for the hardware and convincing special effects and not for the depth and humanity that the director seems to deliberately omit from the astronauts’ lives.… Expand

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7

bfoore90Feb 10, 2020

Similar to Dunkirk, its the story of the event Apollo 11. Claire Foy gives the best performance in the film and the cinematography more than makes up for its slow and sluggish pacing. This film is wonderfully shot

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7

Voodoo123Jul 23, 2019

+Great in 4k UHD format
+Fantastic visual effects
+Great dramatic screenplay +Excellent cast deliver memorable performances -The unusal mix of drama and action gives the film 'odd pacing' Unsure what to expect going in, first man exceeded my+Great in 4k UHD format
+Fantastic visual effects
+Great dramatic screenplay
+Excellent cast deliver memorable performances
-The unusal mix of drama and action gives the film 'odd pacing'

Unsure what to expect going in, first man exceeded my expectations and is a well produced and entertaining movie....
That being said, my wish for the film to explore the fantastically human scientific achievement of reaching the moon(esp for 1960's!) sadly was not the focus here (although is certainly a large portion of what is here). Instead we explore the psyche of Mr Armstrong in a large focal point of the movie and source of much of said drama. Here is where first man is weakest as we watch a quite normal and mundane family with the reserved and considered intellectual family portrayed. I will say though that Claire Foy was excellent in these scenes likely as her character had more freedom to express her emotions as the 'emotional 60's housewife' than the average stoic 60's american astronaut! None-the-less first man is a movie I would recommend to anyone remotely interested in the subject matter.… Expand

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7

PanchogulNov 28, 2018

Visualmente atractiva y buena historia, pero terriblemente lenta y la actuación del protagonista es apática a mas no poder, al tipo durante toda la película parece importarle un carajo el mundo entero y pareciera estar trabajando de mala ganaVisualmente atractiva y buena historia, pero terriblemente lenta y la actuación del protagonista es apática a mas no poder, al tipo durante toda la película parece importarle un carajo el mundo entero y pareciera estar trabajando de mala gana con Foy ya que parecen cualquier cosa menos un matrimonio.… Expand

0 of 5 users found this helpful05

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7

DubeauJan 19, 2019

What I loved the most in First man are the trials before the actual launch. Yet we only have to see a bit of them. The story slow down a lot when it comes to the personal life and makes the film sluggish. I really like the death aspect of theWhat I loved the most in First man are the trials before the actual launch. Yet we only have to see a bit of them. The story slow down a lot when it comes to the personal life and makes the film sluggish. I really like the death aspect of the movie. It make the experience emotional. The acting was very good all the way around. The music is on point in tense moments. I give it 72%. This is not to the level of Apollo 13 or Gravity but still interesting to watch.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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7

JLuis_001Nov 15, 2018

Damien Chazelle's most recent film left me with many mixed feelings especially because the film had made me believe that it would be a spectacular epic, but First Man is not one.

Chazelle has everything, the protagonist, a strong and solidDamien Chazelle's most recent film left me with many mixed feelings especially because the film had made me believe that it would be a spectacular epic, but First Man is not one.

Chazelle has everything, the protagonist, a strong and solid supporting cast. An impressive story and better yet; is a real one.
His growth as a filmmaker is incredibly evident, regardless of his achievements with La La Land. Ironically First Man is his best film as a director but not his best film as a whole.

And why do I say this? Because everything feels in its place and yet First Man is a film incapable of provoking emotion. Although we are shown the whole journey of Neil Armstrong in NASA until he reaches the moon and evidently the narrative is built for that climax moment in the story but honestly the film never manages to provide a memorable cataclysmic moment and feels cold and sterile, which evidently ends the journey with its simple ending.

I'm not disappointed but I'm not impressed either. It's a film that deserves your full attention but its excellent quality didn't leave me satisfied.

And before I forget it, go get the musical score because Justin Hurwitz did an amazing job.… Expand

1 of 4 users found this helpful13

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7

SeussMyTubOct 21, 2018

The space sequences are great, but the rest of the movie is pretty much underwhelming. Delves too deeply into Armstrong's family life, yet there is little to show for it. Gosling also portrays him like a robot- the real Armstrong was justThe space sequences are great, but the rest of the movie is pretty much underwhelming. Delves too deeply into Armstrong's family life, yet there is little to show for it. Gosling also portrays him like a robot- the real Armstrong was just modest, not uncaring.… Expand

2 of 7 users found this helpful25

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7

Popcorn55Oct 14, 2018

Good opening with the X-15 -- first time we've seen anything about the legendary X-15 in a major movie in decades. Still the most radical aircraft that ever flew: its story deserves a whole movie of its own. But I digress. This film is aGood opening with the X-15 -- first time we've seen anything about the legendary X-15 in a major movie in decades. Still the most radical aircraft that ever flew: its story deserves a whole movie of its own. But I digress. This film is a pretty good treatment of the historical events, but it has a kind of matter-of-fact tone to it, a strange lack of drama or suspense. It does successfully evoke the respect and wonder we associated with those events at the time, but has three specific flaws: First,the music, which never really connects, and is most often an intrusive, distracting background; the greatest moments of the film are when the music stops in favor of respectful silence.

Second, the sound effects: the sound director seems to have thrown together random chaotic stacks of software sound effects for the rocket-flight scenes -- as if they didn't know exactly what to do, so piled as many canned booms, shrieks, wind rushes, and howls as possible on top of each other hoping it would all somehow add up to awesome -- but it doesn't. It sounds fake... off key. Like the sound guys never listened to an actual rocket launch, even on film, or youtube? Do your research guys, work a little harder.

Third, all the flight scenes recycle this same, lame sequence of shots over and over: 1. shaky vibrating shot out the window (we can't see a thing); 2. shaky close-up of Neil's eyes, staring straight ahead; 3. shaky vibrating shot of the control panel (we can't see a thing). REPEAT three or four times. WTF? First it's an instant cliche. Second we can't see anything -- it's an undecipherable visual mishmash (which would be OK once or twice to convey the confusion the pilot has to deal with -- but we GOT it already the first time, jeez).

Meanwhile, there's a lot of cutting to family life back home, and this stuff is pretty slow and excessive. Lot of shots of the couple staring at each other wistfully in silence. But what exactly is being communicated? Between them, or to us? We end up not even knowing what is going on. There's no takeaway. The screenwriter needed to step it up here, and write some actual dialogue forcrissakes.

I hope this film doesn't win any serious awards, because it doesn't really deserve them. Yes, worth the ticket price, for sure, but if you want a truly inspiring historical space flight epic done right, rent "The Right Stuff", a far better film that audiences cheered in the 80s.… Expand

0 of 4 users found this helpful04

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7

auburnnOct 22, 2018

Maybe not my type... This movie is super slow and dry that I almost fell asleep. And I don't like the dichotomy between family responsibility and patriotism. Although I do find the way Chazelle portrays the state politics dynamics to beMaybe not my type... This movie is super slow and dry that I almost fell asleep. And I don't like the dichotomy between family responsibility and patriotism. Although I do find the way Chazelle portrays the state politics dynamics to be compelling and sardonic.… Expand

3 of 7 users found this helpful34

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7

RaduAFeb 6, 2019

I saw First Man and in my opinion it's ok but that's all... I think next week I'll forget it. Frankly, I was expecting more, especially from Ryan Gosling.

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7

DayveOct 13, 2018

I want to preface this review with the fact that I am NOT a Gosling fan. I think he is horrible, pretty much in every movie I have seen him in, this one included. Overall the movie was ok, interesting but Gosling just puts a damper on theI want to preface this review with the fact that I am NOT a Gosling fan. I think he is horrible, pretty much in every movie I have seen him in, this one included. Overall the movie was ok, interesting but Gosling just puts a damper on the movie for me. Some of the scenery was interesting, and I did not know about all the primer missions. Good movie, could have been way better with a different cast.… Expand

2 of 11 users found this helpful29

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7

KenRMay 28, 2019

I expected First Man to be first class – yes, it was interesting and often involving but with so many cheap hand-held shots all being filmed with close-up lenses or a zoom set in full-tight frame it became a nauseous experience. Big imagesI expected First Man to be first class – yes, it was interesting and often involving but with so many cheap hand-held shots all being filmed with close-up lenses or a zoom set in full-tight frame it became a nauseous experience. Big images shaking all over the screen for such a long running time hardly helped endear this epic to the viewer – pity those who may have seen it in IMAX or 3D!. Some scenes tended to be stretched till interest became strained, with much of the emotion being lost before the next sequence began. Were the NASA Toilets truly as dirty as these were portrayed - adding health risks for these important men? (talk about space program budget restraints!) And no, I would not like to ride in a space capsule. It was interesting to learn a little more about the personal lives but these scenes too, were a little heavy-handed at times. On the plus side, some performances were credible and when the camera was put on a tripod we got some nice looking vistas. The Award winning music score helped add some emotional high spots without being overbearing. And no, I would not like to ride a space capsule. Good to be able to actually read the end credit crawl with decent sized lettering for a change - this time, that portion of the budget was well spent.… Expand

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7

mikeydodoOct 13, 2018

This is a good movie. It's more historical in nature than exciting. It does have some exciting moments, but there's only so many times and ways you can tell the story of going to the moon. Gosling was good, Claire Foy was great. It was tooThis is a good movie. It's more historical in nature than exciting. It does have some exciting moments, but there's only so many times and ways you can tell the story of going to the moon. Gosling was good, Claire Foy was great. It was too long for me. It would have worked better at 2hr or 1hr 45 rather than 2hrs 15.… Expand

3 of 9 users found this helpful36

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