First Man is a quieter, more emotionally grounded film — one that tells a true story of a real-life astronaut. That being said, these movies go hand in hand, showcasing Gosling’s talent while also highlighting the strength of space-set stories.
Ryan Gosling’s Movie Roles Sent Him Into Space 8 Years Before Project Hail Mary
First Man tells the story of Neil Armstrong, one of the astronauts who pioneered the Apollo 11 space trip and the first human to walk on the moon. The film dives deep into Armstrong, not only his work life, but his personal struggles with his wife and child as well. First Man is a film that is purposeful in nature.
The pacing is slow yet deliberate, and the story focuses on the uncertainty of space travel for those who were the first to attempt it. In a way, the film leans into some horror elements in this regard as well. Space feels simultaneously grand yet daunting, making this movie a successful genre blend.
Gosling’s First Man Is An Underrated Classic
First Man received critical acclaim upon its release, just like Project Hail Mary, but missed out on a Best Picture nomination at the Academy Awards. In the years since, the film hasn’t received the attention it deserves, but it’s possible that the release of Project Hail Mary may remind viewers to revisit First Man.
First Man excels in almost every area. Ryan Gosling gives a masterful performance, and one that stands up as one of the best of his entire career. The film, while lengthy, justifies its runtime with a story that is engaging throughout and, most importantly, emotionally resonant as well.
In many ways, the best aspect of First Man are the visuals. The cinematography is some of the best in recent memory, with the grandness of space being perfectly executed. It genuinely feels as if the film was shot in space, which goes to show the level of quality of the cinematography.
In years to come, and as Ryan Gosling continues on his run of space-set films (next up is Star Wars: Starfighter), First Man may finally get the recognition it deserves.
Project Hail Mary is in theaters now.