First Man

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⭐ 8.0/10

(Originally written by Tim)

I revisited this movie after watching it in theatres a long time ago, convinced that it is a hidden masterpiece that I didn't get on the first watch. Sad to say that isn't the case, but I do think this movie is great, with an all time space movie soundtrack.

We follow Ryan Gosling as Neil Armstrong, in a space movie that doesn't seem interested in the spectacle of space at all. Everything is done in closeups, and very rarely do we get those wide shots space movies always give us of the glorious void of space or the epic rockets bursting into flame as they enter the atmosphere. These things all happen, but we always see them from the astronaut perspective, and it gives you a real appreciation for the archaic technology they were using. Metal screams and bolts squeal as this inhuman journey happens, and it adds to the tension.

Gosling is obviously great, getting another chance to do the stoic cool guy thing, only this time he is the stoic smart guy. Claire Foy is also great as his wife, doing a bit more than the classic wife who's mad her husband's life is always at risk. This movie is very intentionally about the parts of our lives we section off from those we love, and what that costs, and the movie ends with a real gut punch on this note.

Same director and composer as La La Land, so the soundtrack is perfect. I just can't give this more than an 8 because I don't think there is a ton going on under the surface, and its not super compelling as a rewatch. Don't get me wrong, I think the craft of this movie is 10/10 and Chazelle has my lifetime pass.

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