Dry

Rating: 6/10 (23 December 2018)

In 1961, Neil Armstrong (Ryan Gosling) is a test pilot for the X-15 with nerves of steel. He manages to save the landing after some difficulties. Others dismiss him as simply an egghead engineer. He is severely private but he does break down over his daughter's death. Janet (Claire Foy) is his dutiful wife. He joins the Gemini program run by former astronaut Deke Slayton (Kyle Chandler) which would lead him to be the first man on the moon.
This is Damien Chazelle's first film without music as the subject. He is able to bring action to the space exploration. There are a couple of nice visceral close shaves. The Gemini uncontrolled spin is really thrilling. The marriage is interesting with two compelling actors. The over-riding feeling is a dry unemotional narrative. Most of that is due to the quiet reserve of Armstrong. He is not a man of emoting and the movie has to work within the constrains of his personality. The production is impeccable. The vibe doesn't have the emotional highs and lows that are necessarily for a truly intense film.