posted 03-17-2014 07:53 AM               

When Apollo astronaut Eugene Cernan stepped off the moon in 1972 he left his footprints and his daughter's initials in the lunar dust. Only now, forty years later, is he ready to share his epic but deeply personal story.

Cernan's burning ambition carried him to the spectacular and hazardous environment of space and to the moon. But there was a heavy price to pay for the fame and privilege that followed. As his wife famously remarked, 'If you think going to the moon is hard, try staying at home.'

'The Last Man on the Moon' combines rare archive material, compelling visual effects and unprecedented access to present an iconic historical character on the big screen.

posted 05-15-2014 10:53 AM               

Here is the newly-released trailer:

posted 05-15-2014 11:32 AM               

This is the first movie I've seen on such a space man that really delves into his life away from the space race. How many films get you inside the man's home office, on his back patio, or in the local bar? LMOTM shows the perfect mix of historical video/photos, interviews and "real life reality shots".

The best part for me was watching him pull his car up outside of his space program home. Spine tingling stuff. And Martha Chaffee has a very chilling part in it. What a lovely lady she is.

Trying to mute my enthusiasm slightly here for the folks that don't want to read a spoiler.

In sum, it's really a documentary that details how he became the man he was during the program, and then in-turn how he is today. It's far from a documentary on Apollo 17 or what someone might falsely assume from the title. This film is mostly about the guy away from the spacesuit, and I prefer it that way. We've seen the moonwalking-Cernan already.

Military friends, family members and other astronauts all take part in the film, and the final product is a 10 out of a 10, honestly. Even people who've never heard of Gene Cernan should come away from this film saying "that's one special human being".

The best part? Some members here might see themselves in a scene towards the end. I won't give anything away but I was so pleasantly surprised to see myself in the scene. Nearly jumped out of my seat!

posted 05-15-2014 01:29 PM               

I've always admired him because he's blunt, frank and unguarded in his feelings and opinions — the polar opposite of Neil Armstrong, the first man on the Moon.

posted 06-09-2014 03:11 PM               

Definitely the best cinema ticket bought to date — £9.00 for the film and Q&A session, which Cernan himself attended and answered some of the questions.

posted 06-10-2014 12:51 AM            

Towards the end of the film I thought of Johnny Cash's video to 'Hurt' - an old man reflecting on his life and past glories but this has much more to it.

I think a lot of us who are starting to creak a bit begin to question whether that extra half hour at the office and missing the kids' bathtime was actually worth it, and Cernan captures the feelings beautifully.

I found the film to be very well put together with some great CGI to tell the story. It was in turn funny, informative and moving and I think even people not interested in Apollo would have found it entertaining. He's yet another astronaut I've met who is both humble about his achievement and humbled by the experience. All the ones I've heard speak have echoed the idea that it's home that is important. The moon is fine, but the people waiting for you are what matters.

Cernan is my astronaut hero and it was a joy to see him in person and shake his hand. He was fantastically generous to everyone who wanted a piece of him in the scrum that followed and clearly feels that he owes people that time for a quick photo and a handshake.

posted 06-10-2014 12:19 PM            

The film's director, Mark Craig wanted to "make a documentary with a difference" and to say he has done so would be something of an understatement. Beautifully crafted cinematography, a perfect yet haunting soundtrack coupled with a clever and distinctive look and feel make "The Last Man on The Moon" a superb documentary – FULL STOP!! The fact that the topic is one close to the heart of this community is a bonus.

As and when this film goes on a wider release, movie posters festooned with film festival, film industry and movie media garlands in the top corner are an inevitability.

I defy anybody, hard-core fan to "space atheist," not to be entertained by this deeply personal journey.

Bespoke archival footage, Cernan's own still photos and home movies coupled with input from friends, family and former colleagues conjured up a film that was as emotional and touching as it was candid.

The movie took seven years to reach the screen; in 2007 Mark Craig read the book and decided there and then, "This was a movie that needed to be made." But Gene resisted and it took a further five years of persuasion from Mark and close friends including Sir Jackie Stewart, Tom Hanks and Harrison Ford to change his mind. What appealed to Gene in the end was that the film was as much about the positive message it could give to youngsters harbouring their own hopes and ambitions as much as it was the story of Gene Cernan; to never give up because you don't know what fete has in store for you and to always give of your best.

The film was 19 months in production and cost around £1 million to make. Mark Stewart told me the hope is that the film will reach a wider audience through TV and/or a limited cinema release in the coming months with DVD and Blu-ray releases in a year or less, all being well.

Each of the viewings was followed by a Q&A with Gene and Mark Craig, chaired by an excited Nigel McEnaney. Both were sold out and I did see a few folk hoping for an autograph but Gene's PA Claire Johnson and film producer Garth Dodds orbited Gene like shepherd moons, keeping him in check and autograph hunters at arm's length — though the occasional photo was accommodated.

This was never that kind of event. The "close quarter protection" was in part because of the throng that surrounded Gene as he left the theatre or travelled the corridors and in part because the guy had had a hip operation only 10 days previous with another scheduled 10 days hence. He was tired and struggling with a stick; clearly in some discomfort. I am amazed he was even there at all.

Over the two days I saw him sign about a dozen items, the majority being his book. The only exceptions were a glossy photo Gene signed for me, and a movie poster (one of only four brought to Sheffield by the production company) for "Mrs Owl", Both items are being framed and will be donated to the Fred Haise post dinner auction. Bring your cheque books; the signed poster looks stunning!

UK space fans will be pleased to know that Space Lectures were well represented at both viewings. I was with Ken Willoughby when overtures were made to Gene back at his hotel about coming to Pontefract. The bad news is Gene was quick to admit that he is finally listening to advice from family and friends to cut back on his schedule and nothing was likely in the short term. The good news is Gene's PA Claire interjected, "Oh, you're Ken Willoughby," with a familiarity reserved for the first time meeting of long time pen pals.

Ken had Gene lined up for Pontefract five years ago and I had always thought that had been cancelled due to poor ticket sales. It transpires the event clashed with a big US Navy event that Gene was attending and it was Gene that cancelled.

Hopefully this will make him more likely to want to fulfill the engagement despite a shrinking diary and the conversation ended with Claire telling Ken to get in touch.

It may come to nothing and time is not on Ken's side but my advice would be to start saving just in case; his fee is likely to be such that tickets will be expensive. Fingers crossed.

posted 06-11-2014 03:00 PM               

The film is currently neck and neck with another documentary for the winner of the film festival.

posted 10-07-2014 04:16 AM               

• Nov. 16 in Wakefield
  
• Nov. 23 in Hull

posted 10-07-2014 06:28 AM               

We are currently working towards a general release. We don't have any details to share as yet but as soon as we do, we will post them on here. We hope you will be able to see our film in your local cinema. We will keep you posted.

posted 03-24-2015 08:42 AM               

quote:

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Originally posted by Robert Pearlman:
"The Last Man on the Moon" will be screened as part of the Jameson Dublin International Film Festival on March 29, 2015 in Dublin, Ireland.

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Having seen an early version, I would encourage anyone thinking of going to do so as it promises to be very impressive on the big screen.

posted 04-02-2015 04:48 AM               

Gene and Mark were fantastic and very graciously answered questions after the presentation.

Also met some fellow collectSPACE brothers before the show for dinner and great conversation. It was a pleasure meeting Jim, Tad, and Alan and I hope that we can meet up again for another event in the future.

Please enjoy the photos below: