Only 33

Rating: 10/10 (27 October 2018)

Ryan Gosling brings massive intensity as Neil Armstrong in Damien Chazelle's First Man.
Leaving the Hollywood musical scene, Chazelle reaches for the stars in this biopic, bringing all his cinematic talent from La La Land (2016) into a space epic.
Pilot Neil Armstrong (Gosling), desperate to escape the grief of his daughter, joins the NASA, for the Gemini missions and eventually Apollo 11, striving to touch the surface of the moon. While ruthless to make the giant leap for mankind, Armstrong struggles to keep himself together and tender to his wife (Claire Foy) and children.
Astonishing to think that only at the age of 33 Damien Chazelle has already written himself in film history and he continues to do so with First Man. Although I said it was a "space epic", what Chazelle is more interested in is the relationship between Neil and Janet, as the earthbound strains and anxieties make Neil want to escape his grief. As well as being a an exhilarating journey to the moon, Chazelle's creation is more of a character drama than a space epic.
Its Gosling and Foy's chemistry at the very heart of the film, struggling to let go of the past, but afraid to show any emotion of it, Gosling's Armstrong is silent and isolated, fixed on his mission. A role which has felt comfortable for Gosling, but in moving quiet passion he is a man finding it hard to breath but continuing to hold his breathe. Armstrong's emotional comptonization is shown rarely but when it is revealed in heart-breaking motion, from the interaction with his children, to his moments of solitude.
This is mainly seen through the eyes his wife Janet who releases the feelings for both of them. Foy stunningly shows how she tries to support her husband's mission but in she clearly hides the fear of losing her husband. Foy's performance brings us closer to the disturbing shock and danger of the mission and how much it cost. It's in the show and not tell that makes Foy's performance outstanding.
In frequent close ups and shaky cam, First Man puts us right in the middle of the action, bringing to life history itself. Chazelle's collaboration with cinematographer Linus Sandgren has brought him great favour again, from opening right in a test flight leaving you clenched and breathless from the start. With another previous collaborator Justin Hurwitz the brilliant creator of the heavenly score for La La Land, Hurwitz gives us an glorious and atmospheric soundtrack. From the gentle yet powerfully moving harps to the lonely nostalgic sound of the thermion, Hurwitz score carries the emotional intensity, thrill ride, and silent wonder of space all together.
It is here we also find an acquainted operatic display, as First Man echoes similar space epics, From 2001 (1968) to even Interstellar (2014). In the several overwhelming test flights to the ultimate climax we are met with stellar sound design, culminating the loud launches and crashes with unexpected silence is almost entrancing. Chazelle combines cinematic practice with emotional drive to create one inspiring work, again another example of how beautiful blockbuster cinema can be
Pay no attention to the ridiculous controversy brought by some very annoying Americans, First Man is astonishingly sharp and beautiful, one of the most impressive films of the year. Chazelle reminds us of this great accomplishment in human history, that we may neglect from time to time, I know I do, but powers it with a fantastic character story.