GoodTrash Critique: First Man

What would you do to achieve your dream?

Who would it impact? Your self? Your friends and family? Your life?

This is the theme that Damien Chazelle keeps going back to. Since his sophomore breakthrough Whiplash (2014), Chazelle has become a critically-beloved darling who went on to bigger and better things with his follow up La La Land (2016). Notable for its false win at the 2017 Academy Award ceremony, the film marked the start of Chazelle’s working relationship with Ryan Gosling. Their partnership drove La La Land to become a great success, with the help of Emma Stone.

But one constant has maintained in Chazelle’s recent works—what will a person sacrifice to reach the stars, figuratively and literally?

First Man

First Man is the true story of Neil Armstrong’s multi-year journey with NASA that ultimately culminated in that historic moment when man walked on the moon. But his journey wasn’t easy, as the film informs us. A lot of tragedy and sacrifice occurs along Armstrong’s way, and much of the film deals with how Armstrong (Gosling) and his wife Janet (Claire Foy) navigate these emotional hardships.

From the white-knuckle opening to the jaw-dropping finale, Chazelle showcases a technical hand like few others. The flight sequences, shot in IMAX, will keep audiences on the edge of their seat. For a director to build suspense and anxiety within a story where the ending is well known, it takes a deft hand. And Chazelle flexes his muscles throughout the film, breaking up the down-to-earth moments with incredible set pieces that remind us why we go to the movies.

But, it’s those quiet times throughout where we learn more about Armstrong and his family that drive the film.

Our Little Blue Planet

Gosling’s Armstrong is like many of Chazelle’s protagonists—determined, frustrated, stubborn. He knows the outcome he wants, and he is determined to get there. In keeping with his previous methods, Chazelle continues to raise the personal stakes of his characters. Miles Teller’s Andrew deals in a very small, intimate surrounding. In La La Land, Mia and Sebastian have a bigger world wherein to fight for their dreams. Chazelle gives Armstrong the universe.

Gosling’s performance, like many of his performances, is quiet and reserved. Armstrong bottles his emotions and doesn’t know how to find a release other than through his work. Gosling does a lot with a look or a movement. It’s the type of performance he’s perfected over the past decade or so. Claire Foy plays well off of his stoic nature. Janet is just as strong as her husband, and more vocal. She’s the backbone of the family, but sadly most of her role is to be the emotional outlet of the film, and the audience. When we’re frustrated, she’s frustrated. When we’re nervous, she’s nervous. There’s not a lot of depth to the character outside of perturbed caregiver.

Houston, We Have a Problem

For me, First Man never leaves the atmosphere. It has some big, bold, beautiful moments. But, it never breaks through to another emotional plane. The plot becomes very circular, as the film chronicles a decade or so series of events. To move things along, we get a lot of the same types of plot beats. Tragic moment, grief, movement to a new character point, repeat. A couple of these moments work very well, but another plays out as a waste of a character beat as there’s not much time to connect with the players involved. The reasoning makes sense, but the strategy doesn’t work.

And for me, that’s where the film falters. There are a few emotional beats that work, but it doesn’t have the heart that it should. It’s too long, too repetitive and too ineffective.

Chazelle’s technical prowess is evident, but the story doesn’t have the impact of his previous works. I think the script, penned by Josh Singer, doesn’t ever find the footing it needs to elevate the human stories at the core of the film. It’s also Chazelle’s most grounded work as a biopic work. There are a lot of fantasy elements in both Whiplash and La La Land that aren’t able to be present here, which I think handcuffs Chazelle’s style.

Back to Earth

Ultimately, I think First Man will do well. It’s worth going to see in theaters, and it is a very good movie. The few qualms I have, I’ve highlighted. I still think Chazelle is one of the stronger young directors in Hollywood but his voice is getting a bit repetitive. Nonetheless, I still look forward to seeing what’s next down the pike for Chazelle.

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