First Man Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A stoic dude with daddy issues goes to space to throw his dead daughter’s bracelet into a hole on the moon while America wins the Cold War, kinda.

🍿 First Man: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Early Life and Tragedy

In 1961, Neil Armstrong, a NASA test pilot, balances his dangerous job with the grief of his daughter Karen’s terminal illness. He logs her symptoms meticulously, trying to find any possible treatment. Sadly, Karen passes away, leaving Neil and his wife Janet devastated. This personal tragedy significantly impacts Neil, shaping his drive and stoicism.

Joining Project Gemini

Seeking purpose and a way to cope with his loss, Armstrong applies to Project Gemini and is accepted into NASA Astronaut Group 2. He moves his family to Houston, where he befriends fellow astronauts Elliot See and Ed White. The astronauts face intense training, highlighting the urgency of the Space Race as the Soviet Union consistently surpasses the United States in space exploration milestones.

Gemini 8 Mission and Near Disaster

Armstrong is selected to command Gemini 8, with David Scott as the pilot. Their mission aims to prove spacecraft docking capabilities in space. They successfully dock with an unmanned Agena target vehicle, but a malfunction causes the spacecraft to spin uncontrollably. Armstrong’s quick thinking and piloting skills allow them to abort the mission safely, averting a potentially fatal disaster.

Apollo 1 and Continuing Loss

Tragedy strikes again with the Apollo 1 fire, killing astronauts Gus Grissom and Roger Chaffee during a launch rehearsal test. The relentless dangers of the space program continue to cast a shadow over the astronauts and their families. Armstrong experiences another near-fatal incident while testing the Lunar Landing Research Vehicle, solidifying his reputation for bravery and skill under pressure.

Apollo 11: The Lunar Landing

Armstrong is chosen to command Apollo 11, with the mission’s primary objective being the first lunar landing. Nearing the launch, Neil withdraws emotionally from his family. Just before the launch, Janet insists he explain the risks to their sons. Apollo 11 successfully launches and reaches the moon. Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin descend to the surface in the Lunar Module Eagle.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Neil Armstrong (Ryan Gosling): A stoic and determined NASA test pilot and astronaut, driven by personal loss to become the first man to walk on the moon.
• Janet Armstrong (Claire Foy): Neil Armstrong’s wife, who grapples with the emotional toll of his dangerous career and his emotional distance.
• Ed White (Jason Clarke): A fellow astronaut and friend of Neil Armstrong, who tragically dies in the Apollo 1 fire.
• Deke Slayton (Kyle Chandler): The Chief of the NASA Astronaut Office, who recognizes Armstrong’s potential and guides him through the program.
• Buzz Aldrin (Corey Stoll): An astronaut and member of the Apollo 11 mission, who accompanies Armstrong on the first moon landing.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Neil Armstrong: “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.” – Armstrong’s iconic words upon first stepping onto the Moon, immortalizing the Apollo 11 mission and humanity’s achievement.
• Neil Armstrong: “We’re in trouble.” – Spoken calmly by Armstrong to mission control during the Gemini 8 mission when the spacecraft began spinning uncontrollably.
• Janet Armstrong: “You’re a handful, you know that?” – Janet expresses her exasperation to Neil before the Apollo 11 launch, hinting at the emotional toll his dedication takes on their family.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $59,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $44,936,545
• Worldwide Gross: $105,713,218

💥 First Man Reviews

Personal Review

I was completely blown away by First Man! The shaky cam during the space flights made me feel like I was right there with Neil Armstrong, strapped into a tin can on top of a rocket. It was terrifying and exhilarating all at once. I really felt for him and his family, especially with the loss of his daughter. The ending, when he drops the bracelet on the moon, just wrecked me. What a powerful and moving film. It will give you a new appreciation for the sacrifices made for space exploration.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of space exploration and history”
  • “Those interested in character-driven dramas”
  • “Viewers who appreciate realistic portrayals of historical events”
  • “People who enjoyed films like Apollo 13 and The Right Stuff”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Intense scenes of space flight and mechanical failure”
  • “Depictions of grief and loss”
  • “Brief strong language”

Professional Reviews

• Indiewire: “Damien Chazelle delivers a gripping, intimate portrait of Neil Armstrong, focusing on the emotional toll of the space race. Gosling’s restrained performance captures Armstrong’s stoicism, while Claire Foy shines as his resilient wife, Janet. Though the film occasionally suffers from pacing issues, its visceral space sequences and poignant character study make it a worthwhile journey.
• The Guardian: “First Man eschews flag-waving patriotism for a more introspective look at the human cost of achieving the impossible. Chazelle’s direction is masterful, creating a sense of tension and claustrophobia during the spaceflights. While the film may not appeal to those seeking a traditional heroic narrative, it offers a compelling and nuanced exploration of grief, ambition, and sacrifice.
• Empire: “First Man is a breathtaking cinematic achievement. Damien Chazelle combines technical brilliance with emotional depth, crafting a truly immersive and unforgettable experience. Ryan Gosling delivers a career-defining performance as Neil Armstrong, capturing the astronaut’s quiet determination and inner turmoil with remarkable subtlety. A must-see for space enthusiasts and cinephiles alike.

Audience Reactions

The film’s realism and immersive space sequences made viewers feel like they were part of the mission.: The stunning visuals and sound design created a truly visceral and unforgettable cinematic experience.

Ryan Gosling’s portrayal of Neil Armstrong resonated with audiences, showcasing his stoicism and inner struggles.: The film’s emotional depth and focus on Armstrong’s personal life added layers of complexity to the story.

Overall Consensus: First Man is a visually stunning and emotionally resonant biopic that explores the human cost of the space race, anchored by strong performances and masterful direction. It’s not your typical hero story, but a poignant exploration of grief, ambition, and the pursuit of the impossible.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Visual Effects)- 2019

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Director Damien Chazelle opted for a more intimate and visceral portrayal of space travel, using primarily handheld cameras and shooting many scenes in-camera to create a sense of realism and claustrophobia.”
• “Ryan Gosling underwent rigorous physical and psychological training to prepare for the role, including flying lessons and spending time with astronauts and engineers to understand the technical and emotional challenges they faced.”
• “The filmmakers meticulously recreated the look and feel of the 1960s space program, using archival footage, photographs, and technical documents to ensure accuracy in the set design, costumes, and spacecraft interiors.”

🖥️ How to Watch First Man?

First Man is available to rent or purchase on various platforms including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check local listings for television availability and streaming options.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed First Man, you might like these similar films:

• Apollo 13 (1995): A gripping account of a perilous space mission, showcasing the resilience and ingenuity of astronauts and ground control in the face of extreme adversity.
• The Right Stuff (1983): Explores the early days of the American space program, focusing on the Mercury Seven astronauts and their courage and dedication in pushing the boundaries of human exploration.
• Gravity (2013): A visually stunning and intense survival story set in space, capturing the isolation and fragility of human life against the backdrop of the vast cosmos.

🛒 First Man Related Products

• First Man: The Life of Neil A. Armstrong: The official biography that inspired the film, offering a detailed and insightful look into the life of Neil Armstrong, from his childhood to his historic moon landing.
• LEGO Ideas NASA Apollo Saturn V: A detailed LEGO model of the Saturn V rocket that launched Apollo 11, offering a fun and educational building experience for space enthusiasts of all ages.
• Apollo 11: First Steps Edition: Documentary featuring restored footage of the Apollo 11 mission including NASA archival material and audio recordings.
• NASA T-Shirt: Officially licensed NASA logo T-shirt.

🎧 Soundtrack

First Man features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “The Landing” – performed by Justin Hurwitz
• “I See the Moon” – performed by Meredith Willson
• “Houston” – performed by Justin Hurwitz

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

First Man reviewed by Mark Kermode

Hey, check out this in-depth review of ‘First Man’ by Mark Kermode, who gives his honest take on the film’s depiction of Neil Armstrong’s historic mission. It’s a great watch for fans of the movie or film criticism in general.

What the First Man on the Moon Hid for All These Years

Curious about the untold stories of Neil Armstrong? This video dives into fascinating details about his training and personal life, giving us a glimpse into the man behind the iconic moon landing.

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