First Man follows the life of American astronaut, Neil Armstrong. Anyone who hasn’t heard that name has been living under a rock. But this movie is not about the final destination. It is about the nine-year journey of the man who first set foot on the moon. The film traces his psychological state during those tumultuous years of personal loss and professional hurdles.
The director of the movie is Damien Chazelle. He directed awesome movies like La La Land and Whiplash. He is also the youngest recipient of the Best Director Oscar. He reunited with Ryan Gosling and music composer Justin Hurwitz and has delivered a heart-pounding emotional drama. The movie alternates between Armstrong’s life on the ground and in space to understand the man behind the name, fame and glory.
Chazelle’s storytelling masterfully juxtaposes Armstrong’s grief, thrill and uncertainty. The movie completely captures your attention. From nerve-racking space turbulence to deafening silences, Justin Hurwitz’s melancholic yet liberating score stirs the soul.
Ryan Gosling plays the character of Armstrong rather brilliantly in First Man. Armstrong’s frustration, inner turmoil and suppressed emotions are expressed perfectly through the steely gaze of Ryan Gosling. Claire Foy plays Janet (Armstrong’s first wife) with equal brilliance. She shows that Janet was not just a supportive wife.
This movie will take you on an emotional roller coaster ride. It will make you jump to the moon and fall back to earth. From the beginning of the film to the end, it just stays with you. It will stay with you even after you leave the hall and after you return home and after you carry on with your life. It is an eternal film.
