Were you a big fan of the ever popular "La La Land" like I was?
I gave that film a perfect 10/10, and was particularly impressed by the brilliant writing, acting, costumes, set design and score. Chazelle's musical brainchild was deserving of all the Oscars it received in 2016, so I was quite curious to see how "First Man," the story of astronaut Neil Armstrong, would measure up.
The answer? It does.
"First Man" centers around the life of astronaut Neil Armstrong as well as the events leading up to the moon landing mission, Apollo 11. The film stars Ryan Gosling as Neil Armstrong, Clair Foy as Janet Armstrong, as well as multiple other actors that aren't really in minor roles, but sub-major roles. There are a lot of characters in this film that are integral to the story with small parts, which I feel is one of the best parts. Nobody really feels like a minor character.
First Man - Official Trailer (HD)www.youtube.com
While the science aspect of "First Man" is certainly interesting, the more riveting part of this film is dealing with the psychology of the family and astronauts, knowing that due to the primitive nature of space exploration in 60s, many astronauts didn't make it out of their missions alive. This definitely adds a crucial element to the film, adding an emotional appeal that just wouldn't be present in a typical biopic.
I've seen so many biopics such as Ashton Kutcher's "Jobs" where actors seem to get lost in their characters, almost imitating the person too much, but what I love about "First Man" is that Ryan Gosling is the perfect blend of himself and Armstrong, never being too much of one or the other. It's a perfect blend that will be sure to net him an Oscar nomination for Best Actor come 2019.
Claire Foy is also excellent in her limited screen time, spouting off memorable lines all throughout the film. She is also an Oscar hopeful in the category of Supporting Actress.
However, I find the absolute best part of this film, like La La Land, to be the score. Justin Hurwitz returns after winning the Ocar for La La Land, and his musical mark is all over this film. Every year I find a film that I just become engrossed with in terms of the music. This year, it's "First Man." The film uses a few similar themes and repeats through ever act, slowly adding instruments and suspense. All of the horns and brass are saved for the third act which I think is a brilliant musical choice. It builds the tense and suspenseful moments perfectly. I frequently got chills through these moments.
Regarding editing and cinematography, one of the toughest aspects of making a movie that revolves around space is making the atmosphere immersive not just in an IMAX theater. I saw this film once in IMAX, once in standard and it's equally as immersive. The problem I had with "Gravity" was that I enjoyed it in IMAX, but never wanted to see it again because the experience simply wouldn't be the same. The camerawork and editing is top notch, and really is on par with "Dunkirk," which swept the editing Oscars last year.
I obviously won't spoil anything, but in terms of themes, I find the most central to be learning. Learning is what progress the world, but as with anything that is unknown, there will be sacrifice and resistance. We must continue to press onward to learn everything we can, no matter what people's opinions are.
IS IT WORTH IT?
"First Man" is easily my favorite feature film of the year thus far and other than it being a tad long, has almost nothing wrong with it. With great writing, emotional and balanced acting, beautiful cinematography and the best score I've heard since "Phantom Thread," "First Man" would be an excellent theater experience for just about anyone.
