‘First Man’ allows viewers an insight into Neil Armstrong’s struggle during the first moon mission

Mckenzie Sussman

Staff Writer

The action-packed story of NASA’s first mission to the moon, “First Man” focuses on Neil Armstrong’s extraordinary journey between the years of 1961 to 1969.  

“First Man” is a compelling story about one of the most dangerous missions in history, the expedition to the moon, which shows the sacrifices and challenges that Armstrong and the nation faced. The film reenacts Armstrong’s journey, with extremely authentic actions of the astronauts and distinct sound effects.

The Oscar-winning director, Damien Chazell and Academy Award winner screenwriter, Josh Singer made the magic of the film happen. It was produced by Wyck Godfrey & Marty Bowen. The film stars Ryan Gosling who plays Neil Armstrong and Claire Foy who plays Janet Sheraton, Armstrong’s wife.

The film depicts Neil Armstrong’s hardships and victories throughout his challenging mission to the moon. Armstrong starts out as a test pilot in 1961, but then becomes a pilot for NASA. Him and his family move to Houston, Texas to start his job for NASA and his mission to the moon

The intense opening scene sets the suspenseful tone of the film. The story impeccably illustrates everything that Armstrong sees and hears during his ride in space, which helps the viewer visualize what it was like.

Each scene is almost entirely from the point of view of the astronauts, so the viewer hears and experiences what the astronaut does through the helmet. The mix between the loud rocket and the silent scenes in space reveal the concerns of being an astronaut.

Space travel is interpreted as being highly exciting yet unpredictable. The film perfectly captures how being an astronaut is life threatening, displaying the uncertainty of what will happen in space.

Chazell produces a remarkably original mood of fast-paced adventure immersed with suspenseful sound effects. Each scene engages the viewer with its profound and vivid notion of never knowing what was coming next keeping the viewer on the edge of their seat.

The film provides an astronaut’s perspective of the challenges faced in space travel. The actors successfully illustrate a vast understanding of the hardships and unbelievable work astronauts have to accomplish.

The “First Man” takes Armstrong’s story and makes it come to life. This riveting film allows the viewers to experience the captivating first mission to the moon. Each scene was wonderfully produced to give insight on the experiences astronauts undergo.

“First Man” was released on Oct. 12th and is rated PG-13, and is playing in theaters nationwide.