"First Man" Neil Armstrong Biopic

[Rocket Science]

Hope this works out! He's going to have some big shoes (Moon-boots) to fill...

http://deadline.com/2015/11/ryan-gosling-neil-armstrong-movie-first-man-damien-chazelle-1201636876/

[Rocket Science]

I would feel better if I knew Ron Howard or Tom Hanks were going to make this movie...

[JAFO]

http://www.vulture.com/2016/12/ryan-gosling-damien-chazelle-reteam-for-neil-armstrong-biopic.html

[Rocket Science]

http://www.vulture.com/2016/12/ryan-gosling-damien-chazelle-reteam-for-neil-armstrong-biopic.html

I started a thread on this a while back...
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=38895.0

[mtakala24]

Merged. Nice to see the project is still alive.

[JAFO]

http://www.vulture.com/2016/12/ryan-gosling-damien-chazelle-reteam-for-neil-armstrong-biopic.html

I started a thread on this a while back...
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=38895.0

D'oh! I missed it, apologies. :cheers:

[Rocket Science]

http://www.vulture.com/2016/12/ryan-gosling-damien-chazelle-reteam-for-neil-armstrong-biopic.html

I started a thread on this a while back...
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=38895.0

D'oh! I missed it, apologies. :cheers:

No worries, I hope its going to be good!

[collectSPACE]

Ryan Gosling to portray Neil Armstrong in Universal biopic 'First Man'
http://www.collectspace.com/news/news-122916a-first-man-neil-armstrong-gosling.html

Based on historian James Hansen's authorized biography of Armstrong by the same title, "First Man" will tell the story of the late astronaut, "focusing on the man behind the icon and his difficult journey from X-15 pilot to Gemini astronaut to commander of Apollo 11," according to a film synopsis shared with collectSPACE.

Chazelle's "[point of view] based approach to the narrative will place audiences in the shoes of the early astronauts and show the challenges and sacrifices of the mission to the moon more clearly than ever before," according to the studio.

[Eric Hedman]

I couldn't find a thread on this so I thought I'd start one.  If there is one, mods please move to.

The Niel Armstrong biopic "First Man" is going to be released some time next year.  Here is a link to the cast list:

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1213641/fullcredits?ref_=tt_ov_st_sm

I'm not sure I can picture Ryan Gosling as Niel Armstrong.  Claire Foy does look like his wife Janet.

This one I will go see.

An article with some photos from the movie:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-5056719/Claire-Foy-retro-Neil-Armstrong-s-wife-Janet-biopic.html

[jetfuelman]

I didn't realize Hollywood was making a movie about Neil Armstrong! I looked through the youtube channel of the guy who made the Lego SpaceX Falcon Heavy and came across his commentary video about the film .
It's called First Man starring Ryan Gosling and will release in October. The only other thing I could find about it is this recent article. I apologize if I'm late to the party

[rayleighscatter]

And there's a trailer for the film up now.

[Orbiter]

Looks less like Apollo 13 and more like Gravity to me.

[Eric Hedman]

Looks less like Apollo 13 and more like Gravity to me.

A few years ago I went to a presentation at EAA AirVenture that featured Jim Lovell and Fred Haise talking about Apollo 13.  They explained the liberties Ron Howard took with the truth to make the movie more dramatic.  I suspect that this movie may take even more liberties with the truth.  Apollo 13 didn't need the truth stretched.  Reality was dramatic enough.  This story if told right, shouldn't need the truth stretched either.

[IanThePineapple]

Looks less like Apollo 13 and more like Gravity to me.

A few years ago I went to a presentation at EAA AirVenture that featured Jim Lovell and Fred Haise talking about Apollo 13.  They explained the liberties Ron Howard took with the truth to make the movie more dramatic.  I suspect that this movie may take even more liberties with the truth.  Apollo 13 didn't need the truth stretched.  Reality was dramatic enough.  This story if told right, shouldn't need the truth stretched either.

That's what I'm worried about with this movie, stretching the truth to keep it dramatic. I find that a lot of space movies do that, and I guess it's to add in some "action" or drama where everything was going fine or at least "not bad" in reality.

Also, compared to Apollo 13, Apollo 11 was obviously much more tame. Off the top of my head the only issues I can think of in or related to the mission are:

*The LM training vehicle crash (Shown in the trailer)
*The alarm(s?) on LM descent
*The rocky landing site and almost needing to abort

Again, I really hope they don't stretch the truth on these and other scenes, but part of me is saying they will.

But I'll still see the movie regardless

[MATTBLAK]

I will see the film; principally to support the subject matter. Though I've already seen idiotic comments on YouTube and other places, saying in effect: "If the film's space sequences are 'too realistic', that will just prove that the Apollo landing and other ventures were faked". And of course; the circular, baffling illogic of such statements would be completely lost on some people...

The realistic effects of 'Gravity' and 'The Martian' already ramped up such talk anyway so... (shrugs)

[Blackstar]

Also, compared to Apollo 13, Apollo 11 was obviously much more tame. Off the top of my head the only issues I can think of in or related to the mission are:

You're right. There really wasn't much that was dramatic about landing on the Moon for the first time.

[Chris Bergin]

Well it must have some good money behind it to snag that actor as the lead role. He's not cheap since his dancy dance movie.

[Oersted]

I thought the trailer looked really good, for what that's worth.

[edkyle99]

I saw some inaccuracies in the trailer even, but I'm willing to ignore such things if the entertainment value is good.  Gravity, Hidden Figures, The Right Stuff, etc., come to mind. 

A realistic movie about the first human lunar landing should be possible.  There was plenty of drama.  I remember!

 - Ed Kyle

[collectSPACE]

Also, compared to Apollo 13, Apollo 11 was obviously much more tame.

Keep in mind, this is not an Apollo 11 film.

The movie is about Neil Armstrong, his career and personal life, between 1962 and 1969. Though not a biopic per se,  "First Man" focuses on the events that were central to his life, not necessarily those that were key to any one mission. As the trailer shows, it does include Apollo 11, but this is not "Apollo 13" — it is focused on the individual, not the mission.

[Thorny]

Well it must have some good money behind it to snag that actor as the lead role. He's not cheap since his dancy dance movie.

He was cast before "La La Land".

[Star One]

It all looks very over done and that they are really over-egging things for extra drama. Plus even in that trailer seemingly throwing in every cliche ever for this kind of film.

[Bob Shaw]

‘GO at Throttle Up’ on an X-15 flight gives me a bad feeling...

[Rocket Science]

Relax folks, it's entertainment for the masses... Any space movie raises interest in spaceflight... All good!

[Elvis in Space]

Relax folks, it's entertainment for the masses...

And that's about the only attitude you can take. Not only is it not made for us it's being made by and starring people who weren't even there for the original event. Unlike Ron Howard and Tom Hanks there isn't much "I remember that" at work here. I would like to see it done correctly but this is pass the popcorn and roll with it. It's Hollywood. 

[FishInferno]

It's also worth noting that a trailer's job is to get people to see the movie. They've obviously edited together most of the dramatic scenes here to make it more appealing to the masses in this Marvel-Star Wars-Action movie age. I personally have high hopes for this film, and will withhold serious judgement until I see it in theaters.

[leetdan]

I understand criticizing movies for technical inaccuracies, but what do you think they're going to do... not show Gemini 8?

[mme]

I understand criticizing movies for technical inaccuracies, but what do you think they're going to do... not show Gemini 8?

Or that that he piloted the x15, or that he lost fellow astronauts in Apollo 1, or crashing the LLTV, or that he had a family that was probably terrified they'd loose him...

I'm sort of surprised by all the negative reactions to a movie trailer. Sure they'll pump up the suspense and drama but it's not like all these things didn't happen and weren't all part of someone's amazing life leading up to a nation's amazing accomplishment.

[zubenelgenubi]

I understand criticizing movies for technical inaccuracies, but what do you think they're going to do... not show Gemini 8?

Or that that he piloted the x15, or that he lost fellow astronauts in Apollo 1, or crashing the LLTV, or that he had a family that was probably terrified they'd lose him...

I'm sort of surprised by all the negative reactions to a movie trailer. Sure they'll pump up the suspense and drama but it's not like all these things didn't happen and weren't all part of someone's amazing life leading up to a nation's amazing accomplishment.

Some other legitimate sources of drama:
Flying naval aviation combat over Korea (think The Bridges at Toko-Ri)
NACA/NASA test flying at Edwards (including the X-15)
His young daughter's struggle and death from brain cancer
The house fire in Houston that very well could have killed the entire Armstrong family in their sleep.

[Jdeshetler]

According to inside source, the launch of Saturn V in first trailer clip is a Apollo 8, the first manned spacecraft to orbited the Moon and is Pad 39'A s first launch mission.

[Oersted]

What the movie needs to show is that Armstrong was always very controlled, precise, imperturbable. Not great features to work with for an actor, but that is how he was, deal with it.

Also, Armstrongs life in the 60's was far from devoid of drama and tension. Lots of material to work with without the need for overdramatizing events.

[Lars-J]

This looks much better than I anticipated. I’ll certainly see it.

[eeergo]

According to inside source, the launch of Saturn V in first trailer clip is a Apollo 8, the first manned spacecraft to orbited the Moon and is Pad 39'A s first launch mission.

Thanks for the tidbit! I wish they hadn't digitally substituted the kerolox flames for the shuttle SRB exhaust - sure, Saturn V didn't have huge billowing, dramatic steam&smoke clouds, but the flame impingement on the launch mount and tower were perhaps more mesmerizing.

[Thorny]

According to inside source, the launch of Saturn V in first trailer clip is a Apollo 8, the first manned spacecraft to orbited the Moon and is Pad 39'A s first launch mission.

First manned launch. Apollo 4 and 6 launched from 39A as well.

[Stan Black]

I did not like this film.

Too much shaking, even when it was just people talking.

Credit for trying to show it from Armstrong’s viewpoint, but was put off by all the dark interiors with dirty corroded controls.

[Michel Van]

i waste my precious time with this "Movie"

Were do i start my critic ?!

The Bad cinematography ?
The Bad Sound ?
The Cheap Special effects ?
The "Artistic Liberty" with Technology and Biography ?
The awful Soundtrack ?

I  suspect Damien Chazelle not wanted to film another Apollo 13 or the Right Stuff
That's only thing were was successful for rest it's total disaster of a Movie

What ever flight is so shaking that i get seasick, if i can see something
since Damien Chazelle and    Linus Sandgren consider semidarkness interior as "So Ultra Cool"
either that or they had to camouflage the badly build Sets (common trick in Hollywood)
since the movie cost only $70 million it's very good indication that is reason for semidarkness.

Also of the Flight scene take "Artistic Liberty" with Technology and logic
like X-15 flight in dense cloud cover
the launching of Atlas-Agena next Gemini 8 while the Crew get on board
Every Safety officer would get a hart attack on that launch schedule
also the Apollo 11 launch a little better attention to match the Original footage with CGI
would make it better, except for that dam shaking...

And biggest issue of movie: lack of communications
yes they talk too much in some scene, but on other scene it lacking were it's needed
that makes Ryan Gosling so uncharismatic...

Here to compare to make my point clear
Apollo 13 Launch

Apollo 11 Launch (first men)






Apollo 13 got it Right

[tyrred]

Apollo 13 was a dramatization of a space disaster. 
They got it wrong: there were no thermal blankets on the F-1 engine nozzles. 
They got it right: human ingenuity, resourcefulness and teamwork brought the crew back alive.

First Man was a dramatization of a space victory. 
They got it wrong: see the recent Apollo 11 documentary.
They got it right: human psychology.

[Oersted]

I don't think First Man (the movie) was anywhere near getting the psychological aspects right. Wildly inventing the very reason for Armstrong to go to the Moon was just.... weird.

[tyrred]

I don't think First Man (the movie) was anywhere near getting the psychological aspects right. Wildly inventing the very reason for Armstrong to go to the Moon was just.... weird.

Curious, where in your opinion was the very reason for Armstrong to go to the moon wildly invented?

Been a while since I saw the film, read the book a few times.  My opinion is probably colored by my own psychology. 

Welcome your thoughts.

[Oersted]

Spoiler warning.....














Bringing the picture of his dead daughter and dropping it onto the Moon surface and seemingly getting some sort of closure out of it. It didn't happen and there are no sources at all saying that her death influenced his wish to go to the Moon.

[zubenelgenubi]

Bringing the picture of his dead daughter and dropping it onto the Moon surface and seemingly getting some sort of closure out of it. It didn't happen and there are no sources at all saying that her death influenced his wish to go to the Moon.

If it wasn't said before...
I THINK this is a BIG extrapolation, from the James Hansen's authorized biography, by the screenwriter(s).

Jan Armstrong, upon query for the biography, expressed a deep hope that Neil had carried a memento of Karen to the Moon.  She also explained that Neil had never talked about that possibility with her, either before or after Apollo 11.

Also, IIRC, Charlie Duke left a color portrait photograph of his family on the Moon--Apollo 16.

[Cheapchips]

I enjoyed this a lot as an exploration grief and how it could feel to be at the sharp end of the Apollo program.  Not sure how I feel about it as a biography, given the bits it invents.  Can't say I mind though.  It wasn't as if it was a character assassination and Armstrong's kids seem happy enough.

The action sequences created the right visceral sense, even if things like the launch vibration were unrealistic.  It felt authentic to me, but I hold the right to change my mind after I was the Apollo 11 doc.   

Straight documentary style footage doesn't convey everything the astronauts describe as experiencing through launch.  Going the way they did put you more in the scene and the heads of the astronauts, unless you were thinking, "nah, it wasn't like that".

The landing sequence in particular gave me chills. The music though that sequence is utterly phenomenal.

The Bad cinematography ?
The Bad Sound ?
The Cheap Special effects ?
The awful Soundtrack ?

I couldn't disagree with you more with all these points.  Each to their own! 

(I do love Apollo 13 and The Right Stuff though.  And From Earth to the Moon)

[JohnF]

Straight to the point-this movie was bad, it's clear the director had no clue or isn't interested in spaceflight-one or the other, probably both,  Armstrong was portrayed to be too aloof, from the folks I know that actually worked with him, he was very friendly, had a sense of humor, really invested in the space program and each mission he was assigned, just a go do it kind of guy, this movie didn't capture that at all, and dirty interior of spacecraft ?, no talking  to Bruce or Buzz on the lunar surface ?, the above poster was correct Howard or Hanks should have directed this movie for sure.

[Hog]

Straight to the point-this movie was bad, it's clear the director had no clue or isn't interested in spaceflight-one or the other, probably both,  Armstrong was portrayed to be too aloof, from the folks I know that actually worked with him, he was very friendly, had a sense of humor, really invested in the space program and each mission he was assigned, just a go do it kind of guy, this movie didn't capture that at all, and dirty interior of spacecraft ?, no talking  to Bruce or Buzz on the lunar surface ?, the above poster was correct Howard or Hanks should have directed this movie for sure.

About the "just a go do it kind of guy."

There was a movie where Armstrong had just ejected from the Lunar Lander Research Vehicle and was sitting back at his desk.  Others were surprised to see his so composed after having just "riding the Weber ejection seat" of the LLRV. Armstrong acted as if it was no big thing and was ready to get on to the next task.

I just can't see any NASA Astronaut riding, or being allowed to ride a LLRV or LLTV as part of the Artemis program.  A symptom of todays space culture of being averse to adverse conditions.  To launch without risk, is to never launch at all.

[ccdengr]

it's clear the director had no clue or isn't interested in spaceflight

From interviews I've seen, it seems to me that Chazelle cared a lot about the subject but had some significant misconceptions.  For example, he kept saying that he was amazed about how "rickety" the Apollo spacecraft were.  Having built a lot of spaceflight hardware, I don't think it's fair to call anything that went through that much random vibe testing "rickety".

I think he meant well but told a story that emphasized a dramatized (to the point of fictional) portrait of Armstrong, over the greater context of Apollo.

https://www.npr.org/2018/10/10/656193137/first-man-director-damien-chazelle

[JAFO]

I just can't see any NASA Astronaut riding, or being allowed to ride a LLRV or LLTV as part of the Artemis program.  A symptom of todays space culture of being averse to adverse conditions.  To launch without risk, is to never launch at all.

OTOH, with 21st century sims there is no need for that kind of risk any more. Yes, Shuttle astronauts still used the STA, but compared to the LLRV/LLTV, the risk is negligible.

[QuantumG]

God forbid a director try to make you feel something for your hero's suffering.

Whenever I retell a "funny story" the first thing I do is think about my audience. There is no point repeating an in-joke that only my friends and I find funny, so I translate those parts of the story into something the audience will understand. If something has to be embellished or invented to make the audience feel the same way as we did when whatever really happened was happening... well, that's just good story telling.

Never let the truth get in the way of a good story.

[Rocket Science]

It felt good to watch First Man on this special anniversary...