Review: First Man

Directed by Damien Chazelle

Starring: Ryan Gosling, Claire Foy

The plot follows the years leading up to the Apollo 11 mission to the Moon in 1969.

Another anticipated film of this year, directed by non other than Damien Chazelle who directed films such as La La Land, and Whiplash. I had the opportunity to watch this film in IMAX, and I have to say it was great.

Director Damien Chazelle, was only 32 when he won an Academy Award (Best Director) for his hit film La La Land, and ever since then, he has received widespread recognition, and many pondering what his next film would be. it wasn't till mid 2010's that he picked up the job to direct the story of Neil Armstrong (based on his book) with reunited actor Ryan Gosling to play the main role.

The acting was really good, both Gosling and Foy were outstanding in the film, and have showcased the emotions they went through in the years before the Apollo 11 missions. I loved the cinematography which was gorgeous especially the shots on the Moon itself (and in IMAX, I can vouch by saying it looked beautiful). I have to admit, the shaky camera was annoying in the beginning, but I later learned to appreciate the use of it, with it amplifying the suspense and the tension. the POV shots were also incredible, further immersing us into this journey for history. the music was great, and will be engraved into your brain for the days to come, it is both chilling and inspirational.

I am incredibly disappointed by it's weak box-office. A lot of controversy went into this film, one being not using the "raising the American flag on the Moon", which apparently is one of the reasons this film bombed in the box-office (which is stupid). Chazelle viewed this film as an human achievement and not an American one, which was the reason he did not raise the US flag on the Moon.

In conclusion, I understand how people have issues with the film, a lot people found it boring since it was slow-paced, but this film isn't supposed to be an entertaining blockbuster like Interstellar or Gravity, it isn't necessarily about the mission itself, but the sacrifice and the suffering they had to endure to make this historical mission possible and that's what I found inspiring. It isn't just a standard biopic, The film is highly inspirational and very emotional, and I for one absolutely loved it.

My rating: 8.5/10

#FilmReview #2018 #CTRecommended