Directed by award winning Damien Chazelle, First Man is a 2018 American biographical drama film that is originally based on the book First Man: The Life of Neil A. Armstrong by James R. Hansen.  The main premise of First Man focuses on the Apollo 11 mission to the Moon in 1969.  

Viewers are eager to learn more about how the cast and production will realistically portray the most treacherous space mission in American history.

“When I heard the First Man was coming out soon I knew I had to see it.  So excited to see what all the hype is about,” said junior Holly Bricault.

On Aug. 29, First Man had its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival, and then was released in theaters in the United States on Oct. 12 by Universal Pictures.  From showing his story as first a test pilot and then the first astronaut to walk on the moon, the film takes the audience through the developments of space travel that led up to Neil Armstrong’s journey.  The film revolves around the life of Armstrong and his legendary space mission that ultimately rewrote history on July 20, 1969.

“I’m not much of a movie person, but I’ve heard some reviews and am interested to see how they portray the first man on the moon in this film,” said junior Adam Salzman.

The cast includes Ryan Gosling as Neil Armstrong, Claire Foy as Janet Shearon (Armstrong’s first wife), and Corey Stoll as Buzz Aldrin (Armstrong’s companion during Apollo 11).  Additional cast members include Pablo Schreiber as Jim Lovell, Gemini astronaut and backup commander, and Kyle Chandler as Deke Slayton, one of the original Mercury Seven astronauts who became NASA’s first Chief of the Astronaut Office.  

With an extremely talented cast, First Man has attracted lots of attention due to its large-scale production and international appeal.

“I’m so excited to see the First Man,” said junior Davina Bonilla.  “I’m a big sci-fi fan and a Ryan Gosling fan!”  

Overall, the film was highly praised by critics, particularly for the performances of Gosling and Foy.  In addition, over several weeks, the film has grossed $55 million worldwide.  However, there were also negative reviews that criticized how the movie conveyed an unrealistic view of spaceflight and all that comes along with it. Like any other movie, there is a variety of opinions.

“I’m not a fan of science fiction movies, but after hearing many positive reviews about the movie, I’m intrigued to go see it,” said junior Clara LaCorte.

Armstrong secured his role in history that fateful day in 1969, becoming the first person to step foot on the moon. It could be said that the film successfully accomplished its portrayal of one man’s remarkable journey into space, which most still remain undiscovered today.