Following the triumphant success of ‘La La Land,’ which nearly secured the Best Picture Oscar and generated considerable box office revenue, it’s somewhat surprising how muted the reception was for ‘First Man.’ This captivating space epic, chronicling Neil Armstrong’s historic mission to become the first human to walk on the moon, boasts breathtaking outer space cinematography. However, it initially received a lukewarm response upon its theatrical release. Now, thanks to its arrival on Netflix, viewers who missed it in theaters have a second chance to experience this compelling film. Here are three compelling reasons why you should dive into ‘First Man’ while it’s available on the streaming platform:
1. One of Ryan Gosling’s Finest Performances:
Ryan Gosling has established himself as a remarkably versatile actor, effortlessly transitioning between characters like Ken in ‘Barbie’ and a replicant in ‘Blade Runner 2049.’ However, one of his most captivating performances is as Neil Armstrong in ‘First Man.’ Gosling excels at portraying men driven by quiet determination, suppressing their emotions to avoid confronting them. His portrayal of Armstrong highlights the character’s drive to achieve extraordinary feats, largely motivated by personal losses. ‘First Man’ tells the story of an ordinary man who risked everything, and Gosling makes him deeply relatable, even though most of us will never journey to the moon.
2. Damien Chazelle’s Exceptional Directorial Talent:
Throughout his relatively short career, Damien Chazelle has earned acclaim for his masterful camera work and the musicality of his direction. Both these qualities are on full display in ‘First Man.’ While many of the film’s sequences are breathtaking, the truly masterful moments come during the film’s climax when Armstrong lands on the moon. Throughout the film, Chazelle meticulously emphasizes the fragility of the machinery being launched into space. Reaching the moon is an extraordinary accomplishment, but it was also a risky and potentially dangerous endeavor. Chazelle brilliantly captures the essence of this duality in a single sequence.
3. A Soundtrack You Must Hear:
There are countless reasons to watch ‘First Man,’ but perhaps the most compelling is Justin Hurwitz’s absolutely stunning score. Filled with lilting, melancholic themes that perfectly complement the movie’s overall tone, the score feels like a genuine revelation from the moment it begins. Chazelle’s collaboration with Hurwitz spans multiple films, and consistently, Hurwitz delivers scores that are both genuinely innovative and distinctly different from his previous work. ‘First Man’ might be his most triumphant achievement yet, in part because the score matches the epic scale of the film’s subject matter.
‘First Man’ is currently streaming on Netflix, waiting to transport you to the moon and back. Don’t miss your chance to experience this captivating cinematic journey.
