Posts: 3110 From: Paris, France Registered: Aug 2003
posted 06-09-2018 03:27 AM
Personally I loved seeing images of the Gemini 8 mission in that trailer. For me it'll be worth the price of admission just to see a Gemini mission portrayed on screen.
David C Member
Posts: 1014 From: Lausanne Registered: Apr 2012
posted 06-09-2018 05:55 AM
Just saw the trailer. Don't know Chazelle, but glad they didn't go with someone that's primarily a director of explosions.
In view of the subject, I hope he sticks to the facts, covers his entire life, and poses a few subtle questions. Armstrong was a man with a lot going on internally, as opposed to being given to vocalisation. I wonder how/if that will be handled?
Skylon Member
Posts: 274 From: Registered: Sep 2010
posted 06-09-2018 08:00 AM
I second comment about seeing Gemini 8 on screen. The events of that mission need little theatricality, and look like they will handled with an appropriate level of intensity. Not to mention it looks like we'll get an X-15 flight!
As a whole, there are a lot of moments that seem like the director is aiming for Armstrong's POV. The experience of being sealed in a Gemini capsule. The shot out the window as Gemini 8 tumbles. The image of the open door on "Eagle" as Armstrong prepares for his moonwalk - these are some nice artistic choices that you sometimes get hints of in space movies, but never to this degree.
328KF Member
Posts: 1234 From: Registered: Apr 2008
posted 06-09-2018 09:35 AM
Looks great so far. The LLTV crash appears to have some of that Armstrong perspective too. I also caught a glimpse of the fire that took place at his house when Ed White ran inside looking for the kids.
SpaceAngel Member
Posts: 307 From: Maryland Registered: May 2010
posted 06-09-2018 04:42 PM
In the case of this movie; is it a way to commemorate next year's 50th of Apollo 11's history making moon landing?
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42981 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 06-09-2018 05:11 PM
Development of "First Man" as a feature film began back in 2003, even before the book was published; Universal acquired the rights in 2008. Damien Chazelle selected the film as his next project after completing "La La Land" in 2016.
So while the timing of the release certainly plays off next year's 50th anniversary and will take advantage of that, it did not begin as an anniversary-driven film.
ManInSpace Member
Posts: 114 From: Brooklin, Ontario Canada Registered: Feb 2018
posted 06-09-2018 06:57 PM
Add me to the Gemini fan club. A program like no other in terms of specific goal accomplishments in such a short time period that we will never see again!
If the quality of vehicle and flight re-enactments seen in the trailer is any indication, this is a production that all true space enthusiasts will enjoy and add to their libraries.
David C Member
Posts: 1014 From: Lausanne Registered: Apr 2012
posted 06-10-2018 01:08 AM
quote:Originally posted by Skylon: Not to mention it looks like we'll get an X-15 flight!
But hopefully without that highly unlikely pen scene. I see what he's trying to do but, if you must use artistic license why not stick close to something that actually happened on an X-15 flight? Like a knee pad page getting away. I think it was Bill Dana who had his knee board "explode," there's film of it around somewhere. So a page seems reasonable without completely plagiarizing that event.
X-15 pilots didn't just leave their pens in mid air. They hadn't been in orbit for days and got that casual about microgravity.
GACspaceguy Member
Posts: 2474 From: Guyton, GA Registered: Jan 2006
posted 06-10-2018 05:36 AM
Looks like it will be a good Hollywood type movie about the program. I trust the trailer is just that, being used to spark interest and not what we can fully expect from the movie.
In the X-15 drop scene, in the trailer, you hear either in the background or possibly what is supposed to be the voice communication "Go at throttle up, Roger go at throttle up". Obviously not a a comm you would have heard until two decades after the X-15, during the space shuttle days.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42981 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
Houston, the first trailer for "First Man" has landed, and with it, a whirlwind of scenes depicting almost a decade of spaceflight history.
Eagle-eyed enthusiasts may have picked up on all of the spacecraft, people and settings featured in the two-and-a-half minute video, but for those who did not, or have yet to read "First Man," historian James Hansen's 2005 authorized biography of Armstrong on which the movie is based, here is a step-by-"small step" review of some of the trailer's key scenes.
bwhite1976 Member
Posts: 281 From: Belleville, IL Registered: Jun 2011
posted 06-11-2018 04:07 PM
I agree that the clip of original audio from Challenger is "unfortunate." I wonder if the choice of this particular audio was deliberate? It just seems unbelievable that in this day and age you would overlook or fail to consider the audio source.
mode1charlie Member
Posts: 1169 From: Honolulu, HI Registered: Sep 2010
posted 06-11-2018 04:52 PM
Typically, the movie trailer is outsourced to a different production company than the company actually making the movie, so it's reasonable to assume that the actual film's sound editors won't make the same mistake. But someone should probably contact them to let them know that it's uncool/verboten to use that audio clip.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42981 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 06-11-2018 08:33 PM
The studio has been made aware.
Gilbert Member
Posts: 1328 From: Carrollton, GA USA Registered: Jan 2003
posted 06-12-2018 03:40 PM
I am really looking forward to this film.
pupnik Member
Posts: 114 From: Maryland Registered: Jan 2014
posted 06-12-2018 07:57 PM
And the "Go at throttle up" audio has already been removed from the official trailer.
nasamad Member
Posts: 2121 From: Essex, UK Registered: Jul 2001
posted 06-13-2018 01:02 PM
I'm impressed with Ryan Gosling's knowledge during the Kimmel capsule interview segment. He obviously had an interest in the program during his work on the movie.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42981 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
After reviewing an early version of the script, Neil Armstrong's elder son told the filmmakers behind Universal's "First Man" that when it came to portraying his father's astronaut career, "you mess with canonical history at your own peril."
Rick Armstrong's advice was heeded. Director Damien Chazelle, screenwriter Josh Singer and their production team sought from the start to get things right.
"They didn't have to take our advice, but they have in almost everything," said Rick Armstrong.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42981 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 07-18-2018 10:08 PM
"First Man" will be the opening night film at the 75th annual Venice International Film Festival in Italy on Aug. 29, 2018.
YankeeClipper Member
Posts: 617 From: Dublin, Ireland Registered: Mar 2011
posted 07-19-2018 03:55 AM
An excellent choice!
La Serenissima Repubblica di Venezia has a strong connection with the Moon, as daily tides affect life and navigation around the city.
On the 21st August 1609, Galileo first demonstrated his Cannocchiale (telescope) to the Venetian authorities at the top of the iconic belltower Campanile di San Marco, and would later use it to revolutionise our understanding of the Moon.
Neil Armstrong was a guest at the Luna Hotel Baglioni (Osteria della Luna - Moon Hotel) adjacent to the Piazza San Marco. This hotel site is the oldest in Venice dating back to the time of the Knights Templar.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42981 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 07-19-2018 07:43 PM
The Venice Film Festival's official announcement of "First Man."
First Man by Damien Chazelle opening film of the 75th Venice Film Festival
Universal Pictures' First Man, directed by Damien Chazelle (La La Land, Whiplash) and starring Ryan Gosling, Jason Clarke and Claire Foy, has been announced as the opening film, in Competition, of the 75th Venice International Film Festival (August 29 – September 8, 2018), directed by Alberto Barbera and organized by the Biennale di Venezia, chaired by Paolo Baratta. The announcement of the world premiere of the film comes on the eve of 49th anniversary of the Apollo 11 landing on the moon.
Barbera declared: "It is a true privilege to present the world premiere of Damien Chazelle's new, highly-awaited film. It is a very personal, original and compelling piece of work, wonderfully unexpected within the context of present day epic films, and a confirmation of the great talent of one of the most important contemporary directors of American cinema. Our gratitude goes to Universal Pictures for premiering First Man at the 75th Venice Film Festival."
Chazelle declared: "I am humbled by Venice's invitation and am thrilled to return. It feels especially poignant to share this news so close to the moon landing's anniversary. I eagerly look forward to bringing the film to the festival."
First Man will be shown in its world premiere screening on Wednesday August 29th, in the Sala Grande at the Palazzo del Cinema on the Lido di Venezia.
On the heels of their six-time Academy Award-winning smash, La La Land, Oscar-winning director Damien Chazelle and star Ryan Gosling reteam for Universal Pictures' First Man, the riveting story of NASA's mission to land a man on the moon, focusing on Neil Armstrong and the years 1961-1969. A visceral, first-person account, based on the book by James R. Hansen, the movie will explore the sacrifices and the cost — on Armstrong and on the nation — of one of the most dangerous missions in history.
Written by Academy Award winner Josh Singer (Spotlight), the drama is produced by Wyck Godfrey & Marty Bowen (The Twilight Saga, The Fault in Our Stars) through their Temple Hill Entertainment banner, alongside Chazelle. Steven Spielberg, Isaac Klausner, Adam Merims and Singer executive produce. DreamWorks Pictures co-finances the film.
p51 Member
Posts: 1642 From: Olympia, WA Registered: Sep 2011
posted 07-20-2018 12:45 AM
Does anyone know if Armstrong's ex Janet saw the film in any form before she recently passed away?
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42981 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 07-20-2018 06:51 AM
Mark and Rick Armstrong were asked about their mother at the "First Man" panel at Spacefest. From Mark Armstrong's comments:
We had several meetings with mom at her house when she was healthy, with Damien and Josh. And Claire [Foy] had hoped to have a meeting with her as well, but Claire was in the UK and she didn't really have a time that she could come and it didn't work out, unfortunately, and we're all sad about that. I think Claire, from what I have seen, absolutely nailed the role.
From Rick Armstrong's comments:
She did see the trailer and I think she saw Claire and said "Wow, that looks good."
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42981 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 07-20-2018 11:57 AM
New movie poster released today:
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42981 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 07-26-2018 09:28 PM
IMAX release
Only in IMAX theatres, moviegoers can experience a sneak peek of Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment's "First Man," with a never-before-seen trailer playing ahead of "Mission: Impossible – Fallout" starting on Friday, July 27. In the exclusive trailer, only on IMAX screens, audiences will see Ryan Gosling as Neil Armstrong getting ready to land on the moon.
Special sequence filmed with IMAX cameras. The IMAX release of "First Man" will be digitally re-mastered into the image and sound quality of The IMAX Experience. To get more info, visit imax.com/firstman.
GT76 Member
Posts: 24 From: River Ridge, La. USA Registered: Jun 2015
posted 08-06-2018 09:34 AM
Saw this trailer this past weekend. A little Apollo at the end with a lot of Gemini before. Really enjoyed it. Now if I can only suppress the urge to nitpick...
Blackarrow Member
Posts: 3118 From: Belfast, United Kingdom Registered: Feb 2002
posted 08-13-2018 08:57 AM
I can't help thinking of the mostly excellent "Apollo 13" in which an actor with a full head of hair (Gary Sinise) played the bald Ken Mattingly, while bald actor Ed Harris played the hirsute Gene Kranz. Great actors, and Ed Harris was able to wear a "rug" but they obviously weren't able to persuade Sinise to shave his head. (Was he asked to?)
I hope they get details like that right in "First Man." Not the most crucial issue, but it is an accumulation of small details on which the credibility of the film may be judged. It is, however, encouraging that Armstrong's sons seem keen to go for authenticity all round.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42981 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 08-13-2018 09:27 AM
The Toronto International Film Festival will host the Canadian premiere of "First Man" in September.
Entertainment Weekly released a couple of new stills:
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42981 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 08-29-2018 11:32 AM
Universal has released a second trailer:
jimsz Member
Posts: 616 From: Registered: Aug 2006
posted 08-29-2018 12:30 PM
They are marketing this movie quite well. This trailer gives away little but still builds excitement and tension even though most will know about Apollo 11.
nasamad Member
Posts: 2121 From: Essex, UK Registered: Jul 2001
posted 08-29-2018 02:53 PM
Reviews from Venice that I’ve seen so far have all heaped praise on the film.
onesmallstep Member
Posts: 1310 From: Staten Island, New York USA Registered: Nov 2007
posted 08-29-2018 04:21 PM
Nice second trailer! Not to nitpick, but two technical observations (one incorrect, the other correct): The PAO/announcer during Apollo launches never said "..we are go for main engine start." This is obviously a phrase used during the space shuttle program.
The correct terminology is "...ignition sequence start," when the count is down to T-10 seconds, and then when it reaches T-0 "...all engines running." But KSC PAO Jack King, usually unflappable, said "...engine running" at the end of the Apollo 11 countdown.
The one detail they did get right is the lone female NASA technician in the suit-up room at the 0:36 point in the trailer, as seen in this contemporary NASA photo, KSC-69PC-376. Otherwise, looking forward to seeing the movie.
spaced out Member
Posts: 3110 From: Paris, France Registered: Aug 2003
posted 08-30-2018 05:49 AM
Five star review from the BBC website here.
I think it sums up quite well the tone and approach of the film as described in reviews so far.
I was interested to see that that the film does deal with the loss of his daughter as I wasn't sure this was going to be skipped over or included. Reading the book (with young children of my own) I found this section incredibly sad and I imagine it deeply affected Armstrong's character and approach to life in the aftermath.
Marc05A Member
Posts: 39 From: Reims, France Registered: May 2009
posted 08-30-2018 07:08 AM
A lot of great shots of the Gemini spacecraft, but none of the Apollo CM so far... (apart from the Apollo 1 fire).
jimsz Member
Posts: 616 From: Registered: Aug 2006
posted 08-30-2018 07:37 AM
Small article on the movie and it not showing the US flag being planted.
David C Member
Posts: 1014 From: Lausanne Registered: Apr 2012
posted 08-30-2018 07:49 AM
That BBC review looks very promising. The flag "controversy" sounds like trying to start a fight for the sake of it. I think everyone knows who put the first men on the moon, particularly the losers in the race.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42981 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 08-30-2018 09:00 AM
I suspect among space enthusiasts there will be more instances of "they left out this iconic scene" or "they omitted this key event" to add to the flag planting that has been noticed by the more general audience.
The thing to remember is that this is not the story of Apollo 11, or the story of Gemini 8, but the story of Neil Armstrong through the eyes of Damien Chazelle. The movie focuses on what Chazelle and screenwriter Josh Singer felt would have mattered to Armstrong, not how the world perceived his missions from the outside or even how his crewmates experienced the same events.
rarmstrong Member
Posts: 17 From: Cincinnati, OH USA Registered: Jan 2014
posted 08-30-2018 09:24 AM
quote:Originally posted by Marc05A: ...but none of the Apollo CM so far
I believe the Apollo CM used is the same one that was used for Apollo 13.
rarmstrong Member
Posts: 17 From: Cincinnati, OH USA Registered: Jan 2014
posted 08-30-2018 09:30 AM
quote:Originally posted by onesmallstep: Not to nitpick, but two technical observations...
Trailers are produced by outside companies and can include audio that isn't in the film. That is how the "go at throttle up" audio got in the first trailer. I don't think "main engine start" is in the film either but I'm not positive, if it is then it slipped through all the technical reviews somehow. It's hard to catch everything but believe me everyone tried...
David C Member
Posts: 1014 From: Lausanne Registered: Apr 2012
posted 08-30-2018 11:05 AM
quote:Originally posted by Robert Pearlman: The movie focuses on what Chazelle and screenwriter Josh Singer felt would have mattered to Armstrong...
I think that's a really important point, and I'm glad it's that way. There's endless stuff from everyone else's point of view. For obvious reasons we'll never know if they succeeded, but I'm sure they gave it their best shot.
Someone else (Michael Bay?) can make "Apollo, the thunder and the glory." It can have loads of close ups of rockets lighting off, jets whizzing about, flags waving and guys punching the air to a pounding hard rock sound track. I'm sure it would do very well.
Chariot412 Member
Posts: 156 From: Lockport, NY, 14094 Registered: Jun 2011
posted 08-30-2018 11:16 AM
Every review I’ve seen has been extremely positive. Looking forward to the premier at TIFF in nearby Toronto on September 10th.
posted 06-09-2018 03:27 AM
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