Universal Pictures has released the first trailer forFirst Man, the highly anticipated third feature film from Oscar-winningWhiplashandLa La LandfilmmakerDamien Chazelle. Written by Oscar-winningSpotlightandThe Postco-writerJosh Singer, the film is based on a book byJames R. Hansenand chronicles the story of NASA’s mission to land a man on the moon, focusing onNeil Armstrongbetween the years of 1961 and 1969.Ryan Goslingfills the role of Armstrong in the film, with Emmy-winningThe CrownactressClaire Foyplaying Armstrong’s wife Janet.
What’s striking here is how much they’re playing up the danger and the risk, both elements we tend to forget about because the mission was a success. But it’s a smart play because it’s putting us in the mindset of the characters, who don’t know if the mission will succeed and can only see all the ways it could possibly go horribly wrong. At the very least, this doesn’t look like your typical space travel hagiography where everything is soaring strings and majestic views. I’m in.
Check out theFirst Mantrailer below. The film also starsJason Clarke,Kyle Chandler,Patrick Fugit,Ciaran Hinds,Ethan Embry,Shea Whigham,Corey Stoll, andPablo Schreiber. Produced byWyck GodfreyandMarty Bowenalongside Chazelle and Gosling,First Manopens in theaters on October 12th.
Here’s the official synopsis forFirst Man:
On the heels of their six-time Academy Award®-winning smash,La La Land, Oscar®-winning director Damien Chazelle and star Ryan Gosling reteam for Universal Pictures’First Man, the riveting story of NASA’s mission to land a man on the moon, focusing on Neil Armstrong and the years 1961-1969. A visceral, first-person account, based on the book by James R. Hansen, the movie will explore the sacrifices and the cost—on Armstrong and on the nation—of one of the most dangerous missions in history.
