We all know the name Neil Armstrong.
“One small step…” and all that jazz.
But how much do we really know about the man who took that giant leap for mankind?
More than just an astronaut, Armstrong was a complex individual, a father, a husband, and a figure forever etched in history.
And with Damien Chazelle’s film “First Man,” starring Ryan Gosling, we get a glimpse into the trials and tribulations that propelled him to the moon and back.
So, let’s dive into the fascinating story of Neil Armstrong, exploring the real man and the critically acclaimed movie that dared to show us a different side of a legend.
“First Man”: More Than Just a Space Movie
Damien Chazelle, the directorial genius behind “Whiplash” and “La La Land,” took on a different kind of challenge with “First Man.” He wasn’t just making a patriotic, flag-waving spectacle.
Instead, he delivered a biopic that was as much about grief and personal sacrifice as it was about space exploration.
“First Man” isn’t just a movie; it’s an experience.
The film, released in 2018, delves deep into Armstrong’s psyche, portraying him as a man driven by loss, particularly the death of his young daughter, Karen.
Was this a deliberate choice to humanize an icon?
Absolutely.
Gosling’s portrayal of Armstrong is mesmerizing.
The actor embodies a quiet intensity, a stoicism that masks a deep well of emotion.
His performance is less about grand gestures and more about subtle nuances, capturing the essence of a man grappling with immense personal and professional pressures.
One critic noted that “Scepticism and froideur contribuent ainsi à élever First Man au-delà de l’hagiographie attendue, au profit d’une réelle étrangeté, et d’une grande tenue.” Which basically means that the movie’s coldness and skepticism actually elevate it beyond the expected hero-worship, resulting in something truly unique and compelling.
The Tragedy That Shaped a Legend
Let’s not sugarcoat it: Neil Armstrong’s life was marked by tragedy.
The death of his daughter Karen in 1962, due to complications from a brain tumor, cast a long shadow over his life.
She was only three years old.
This devastating loss is a central theme in “First Man,” influencing Armstrong’s drive and his often-detached demeanor.
It’s a heavy topic, but it’s handled with sensitivity, adding layers to the narrative that make it more than just another “based on a true story” movie.
The film depicts Armstrong’s grief as a constant companion, a silent force driving him forward.
Some critics have pointed out that the flashbacks and melodramatic scenes related to Karen’s death can feel a bit conventional.
However, these moments also serve to highlight the immense emotional toll that Armstrong carried with him, even as he reached for the stars.
The film shows this in a particularly poignant way: Armstrong’s wife, Janet, compels him to tell their sons he’s going to the moon, and he ends up speaking to them like he’s giving a press conference.
Chilling, right?
Ryan Gosling: The Man in the Spacesuit
Ryan Gosling faced a unique challenge in portraying Neil Armstrong.
How do you embody a man who is both an icon and an enigma?
Gosling’s approach was to focus on the internal struggles, the quiet determination, and the emotional restraint that defined Armstrong’s personality.
He avoids mimicry, instead offering an interpretation that feels both authentic and deeply human.
Did he succeed?
Well, the critical acclaim speaks for itself.
Gosling himself admitted that playing Armstrong was a significant undertaking, particularly knowing that Armstrong’s own sons would be watching the film.
He understood the responsibility of portraying not just a historical figure, but also a father and a husband.
It wasn’t just about nailing the technical aspects of being an astronaut; it was about capturing the essence of a man.
The Moon, the Bracelet, and Artistic License
One of the most debated scenes in “First Man” is the moment when Armstrong, on the moon, throws Karen’s bracelet into a crater.
It’s a powerful, emotional scene.
But did it really happen?
Well, the truth is, we don’t know for sure.
James Hansen, Armstrong’s official biographer, has stated that there’s no concrete evidence to confirm this particular act.
The screenwriters took some creative license.
But does it diminish the impact of the film?
That’s up for debate.
The scene serves as a visual representation of Armstrong finally letting go of his grief, of finding a way to honor his daughter’s memory while moving forward.
Whether it’s historically accurate or not, it’s a potent symbol of closure.
The Armstrong Family Seal of Approval
So, what did the Armstrong family think of “First Man”?
According to reports, Neil Armstrong’s sons, Rick and Mark, were heavily involved in the film’s production, serving as consultants to ensure accuracy and authenticity.
They praised the film for capturing the essence of their father and mother, and for portraying the challenges and sacrifices they faced during the space race.
Rick Armstrong explained that it was crucial for the filmmakers to tell the story as they remembered it, to capture the reality of their parents’ lives.
This endorsement from the Armstrong family adds weight to the film’s portrayal of Neil Armstrong, suggesting that while some artistic liberties may have been taken, the core of the story remains true to the man and his legacy.
Pop Culture Impact and Enduring Legacy
Neil Armstrong’s moonwalk wasn’t just a moment in history; it was a pop culture phenomenon.
It inspired countless books, movies, songs, and artwork.
The image of that first footprint on the lunar surface is forever ingrained in our collective consciousness.
And “First Man,” while not a blockbuster in the traditional sense, has further cemented Armstrong’s legacy, offering a more nuanced and human portrayal of the man behind the myth.
It’s a reminder that even the greatest heroes are, at the end of the day, just people with their own struggles and triumphs.
Video Interlude: TF1 Tops Ratings with “Le nounou” (But What About Neil?)
Speaking of pop culture, here’s a little something to show you what else was trending on TV.
Check out this video from Europe 1, discussing the ratings battle between TF1’s “Le nounou,” France 2’s “L’art du crime,” and…
wait for it…
France 3’s broadcast of “First Man, le premier homme sur la Lune.” Seems Neil Armstrong was still battling for attention, even on French TV!
Beyond the Stars: McClelland’s Mission Patch Designs
It’s kind of cool to think about what went into the look and feel of the Apollo missions.
There’s a whole other side to the story too: did you know that NASA engineers were also pitching their own ideas for the Apollo 11 mission patch?
Clark C.
McClelland, a NASA engineer, submitted numerous logo designs, hoping to capture the essence of the mission.
His attempts, though ultimately unsuccessful, offer a fascinating glimpse into the creative process behind one of history’s most iconic events.
McClelland’s designs, now up for auction, reflect his artistic flair and his deep connection to the space program.
One concept featured a circular patch with the Earth at its center, flagged by the Apollo and Gemini program logos, another depicted an American flag planted on the moon.
While none of his designs were chosen, his efforts were appreciated by the Apollo 11 crew.
Even Neil Armstrong himself acknowledged McClelland’s contributions, writing, “We felt as though we wanted our own thoughts incorporated into the patch – have completed our design.
I thought you might like your renditions back.” A classy move, right?
Shows you the kind of guy he was.
Final Thoughts: Was “First Man” a Success?
So, was “First Man” a success?
Critically, yes.
The film received widespread acclaim for its direction, performances, and its willingness to explore the darker side of a national hero.
Commercially?
It wasn’t a blockbuster.
But it sparked conversations about Armstrong’s legacy, about the sacrifices made during the space race, and about the human cost of ambition.
And maybe, just maybe, it encouraged a new generation to look up at the moon and dream.
Whether you’re a space enthusiast, a history buff, or just a fan of good movies, “First Man” is definitely worth a watch.
It’s a reminder that behind every great achievement, there are complex stories waiting to be told.
What do you think?
Did “First Man” do justice to Neil Armstrong’s story?
Frequently Asked Questions About Neil Armstrong and ‘First Man’
Was Neil Armstrong a complex person?
Yes, beyond being an astronaut, Armstrong was a complex individual, a father, a husband, and a figure forever etched in history.
The movie ‘First Man’ explores these complexities.
How does ‘First Man’ portray Neil Armstrong?
The film delves deep into Armstrong’s psyche, portraying him as a man driven by loss, particularly the death of his young daughter, Karen.
Ryan Gosling embodies a quiet intensity, capturing the essence of a man grappling with immense personal and professional pressures.
Is the moon bracelet scene in ‘First Man’ historically accurate?
We don’t know for sure if Armstrong actually threw Karen’s bracelet into a crater on the moon.
James Hansen, Armstrong’s official biographer, has stated that there’s no concrete evidence to confirm this particular act.
It was likely artistic license.
What did Neil Armstrong’s family think of ‘First Man’?
According to reports, Neil Armstrong’s sons, Rick and Mark, were heavily involved in the film’s production, serving as consultants.
They praised the film for capturing the essence of their father and mother.
The Enduring Legacy of Neil Armstrong and the Impact of ‘First Man’
‘First Man’ offers a more nuanced and human portrayal of the man behind the myth.
It sparked conversations about Armstrong’s legacy, about the sacrifices made during the space race, and about the human cost of ambition.
The film serves as a reminder that behind every great achievement, there are complex stories waiting to be told.
Continue Your Journey: Exploring Neil Armstrong and Space Exploration
- Watch ‘First Man’: Experience Damien Chazelle’s critically acclaimed biopic of Neil Armstrong, starring Ryan Gosling.
- Read Neil Armstrong’s Biography: Delve deeper into the astronaut’s life by reading a comprehensive biography.
- Explore NASA’s Archives: Discover more about the Apollo 11 mission and the history of space exploration through NASA’s official website.
