PILOT SPIN
Spin Zone => Spin Zone => Topic started by: acrogimp on October 14, 2018, 02:48:12 PM
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The pro’s – the flight and space sequences were very well done, good attention to detail and period correct as best as I could tell. Sound design was very good for these sequences as well. They were good but, IMO, no better than Apollo 13 or The Right Stuff.
The con’s – Ryan Gosling’s portrayal did not, for me, create a relatable or sympathetic character, to the contrary I thought it paints Neil Armstrong as nearly inhuman which is not what I think the intention was. Claire Foy, the actress who portrayed Jan Armstrong (I am not familiar with her) was also not someone I could connect to emotionally, I actually found her portrayal off-putting, especially the fem-splaining she did at times.
The supporting cast however was excellent, especially Jason Clarke as Ed White who was lost in the Apollo 1 fire (an event I thought the film handled superbly).
There is a sequence which made zero sense in the context of the film where we find a hippy encampment and a hipster black man both protesting the investment into NASA and the Vietnam War – of course I understand this was historically accurate, however literally every other minute of film time is either focused on Armstrong, his family, or the other Astronauts – in the context of the film this seemed unnecessary and forced.
I had heard of course about the deliberate omission of the planting of the American Flag preferring to focus instead on the ‘human triumph’ and I was admittedly rather upset/put off by that since there are two kinds of countries of Earth, those that have NOT put men on the Moon, and the United States – but in actuality this was the least of the weaknesses in the film and would not have added much to story, especially within the messaging of the film as edited.
Overall, I felt that this movie provides some great period-correct eye candy for space program fans like myself, but the peek into the lives behind the legends, as told in the film, was a downer as executed. I also felt that the film was particularly negative towards Buzz Aldrin, unnecessarily so.
I hoped that First Man would be an uplifting and inspirational movie, as I found The Right Stuff and Apollo 13 to have been – but that was a bridge too far for this film.
I do think that if you are going to see it, it should be experienced in a theater for the scale and the audio power in order to truly enjoy the flight and space sequences.
'Gimp
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Thanks, Gimp. I really appreciate the insights. I wasn’t going to go see it because of the omission of the planting of the American flag, and after your review, I’m still not sure if I will see it.
Did you notice that they omitted the American flag on the shoulders of the space suits? I heard that, but can’t verify it.
I do love the human bravery and balls of steel of these astronauts, especially the launch and space sequences. How do you think that is portrayed? Have they been feminized and emotional?
Lastly, is there enough of the space scenes to capture a fellow NASA geek, or is it more melodrama of their personal lives?
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Our family saw it on Friday. It wasn't Gossling's best work. He was much better in Drive, which I recommend.
The kids liked the movie, though.
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Thanks Gimp. Don't intend on seeing it so thanks for the review.
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Thanks Gimp. Don't intend on seeing it so thanks for the review.
I haven't gone to a theater in years. And I don't have cable TV, so if I want to watch a movie I just wait till it comes up on the internet via my android box on the TV.
I decided long ago to stop giving my money to the Hollywood crowd.
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Unsure if we will go see it. Interesting side note, Ed White had a brother in the Air Force and my wife used to babysit his kids.
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I took the time to write to the production companies that cooperated in the making of the movie and explained why my family would be sitting out their production.
One of them wrote back.
It was an actual note to me, not a form email.
I guess hollywood has become so fascist that many movie companies are afraid to step off the reservation for fear of union reprisals, black listing and other forms of fascism.
All Those Talented People Hiding Behind Political Correctness because they are afraid of a small minority that wouldn't hesitate to burn them out, shut them down, or bankrupt them and theaters that dared show their movies...
Herrman Goering would be so proud.
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On another topic, for the thirty-sixth straight NFL Sunday, I emailed someone at the NFL HQ, in marketing and shared the details of what a swell day we had, as a family, totally forgetting that there were football games to be watched.
Every football Sunday I send them a thank you note.
After all, they taught me that we could enjoy family time with so much gusto just by forgetting the the NFL exists.
I sort of hate to admit it, but I can't remember who won the super bowl the last two years.
Not thinking about catching my favorite teams in action has changed Sundays into days of sight seeing, picnic afternoons in various and sundry parks, sunning ourselves by the pool, followed by BBQs and ice cream, as well as the occasional musical at one of the local theaters.
None of that would have happened if that sleaze ball, kaepernick hadn't thrown his whittle tantrum.
Much as I despise the pathetic scum bag and his commie - muslim girlfriend, I have to thank him and the NFL for being the gutless pansies they are.
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I took the time to write to the production companies that cooperated in the making of the movie and explained why my family would be sitting out their production.
One of them wrote back.
It was an actual note to me, not a form email.
I guess hollywood has become so fascist that many movie companies are afraid to step off the reservation for fear of union reprisals, black listing and other forms of fascism.
All Those Talented People Hiding Behind Political Correctness because they are afraid of a small minority that wouldn't hesitate to burn them out, shut them down, or bankrupt them and theaters that dared show their movies...
Herrman Goering would be so proud.
So what did he say?
Sent from my iPad . Squirrel!!
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They did not omit the flag in general, there are wide shots of the LEM with the flag already planted, you see 'United States' on several rocket shots and the B-52 for an epic X-15 drop at the beginning - there were also several of what I believe were actual news footage of people around the world celebrating the landing - so I don't think they whitewashed the flag with respect to uniforms or space suits.
It's almost worth it just for the flying/space scenes - and a friend who worked at NASA has replied to me that apparently anecdotes he heard from people there at the time AND the book which the movie is based on WAS an approved biography and which I have not personally read yet, did also portray Armstrong as rather cold - guess it just goes to show you that you should never meet your heroes.
There is a bit of an emotional content but it was, with the exception of Jan and Neil's characters handled reasonably well. The movie did a good job cataloging the losses both in Edwards and the Space Program in general and a little of the impact that would clearly have had with the Astronaut corps and their families.
The movie and book apparently focused a lot on the loss of the Armstrong's daughter to cancer but I did not feel that it made sense, I suppose that is a result of my filters and belief system though, hipster millenials probably dug it.
'Gimp
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I do love the human bravery and balls of steel of these astronauts, especially the launch and space sequences. How do you think that is portrayed? Have they been feminized and emotional?
Much of what now comes out of the Entertainment Industry (Hollywood) today must have overly strong women, and an over representation of minorities, and gays just for the sake of showcasing them. I am surprised they even made this movie as it was all white men that were astronauts.
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I've been on the fence on this one, and am now leaning toward no. I may go if I can find a reduced price matinee showing, as space movies, no matter how big your TV is, don't play as well at home as they do on the big screen.
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My husband read the biography “First Man” and found it compelling and a great window into the history of that time. He did say that Armstrong came off as a little ... detached.
I will always remember the summer day when we all, including my parents, who never watched TV in the daytime, were glued to the screen to see that first step on the moon.
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My husband read the biography “First Man” and found it compelling and a great window into the history of that time. He did say that Armstrong came off as a little ... detached.
I will always remember the summer day when we all, including my parents, who never watched TV in the daytime, were glued to the screen to see that first step on the moon.
Armstrong was "detached". It is one of the reasons his personality was suited for the job. He really didn't let much phase him at all, which is a good thing when you may blow up at any moment, and for a thousand different reasons. Landing that damn craft with a few seconds of fuel left, and a POS computer was pretty amazing.
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So what did he say?
Sent from my iPad . Squirrel!!
Nothing illuminating, but the note was not a form letter.
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My husband read the biography “First Man” and found it compelling and a great window into the history of that time. He did say that Armstrong came off as a little ... detached.
I will always remember the summer day when we all, including my parents, who never watched TV in the daytime, were glued to the screen to see that first step on the moon.
I remember watching that too. But the thought that remains with me is; why didn't the cameraman that photographed them get any recognition?
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My husband read the biography “First Man” and found it compelling and a great window into the history of that time. He did say that Armstrong came off as a little ... detached.
I will always remember the summer day when we all, including my parents, who never watched TV in the daytime, were glued to the screen to see that first step on the moon.
I remember that too. I was a 9 year old who had built models of the Murcury Redsone rocket and Gemini capsule and was captured by space.
It was a hot night in our non-air conditioned home in Chicago.
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I remember watching that too. But the thought that remains with me is; why didn't the cameraman that photographed them get any recognition?
Ha! Because his 3 fingered ET-like hand couldn’t sign the non-disclosure contract.
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After seeing the movie I find complaints about the flag planting to be without merit. They do show the flag as being planted but just do not show the actual act of the planting. It was a long movie and you can’t show every detail.
Gosling was horrible.
They seemed to try their best to make Buzz Aldrin look like an ass. Maybe he was one. I don’t know.
The opening X-15 flight sequence seemed to show clouds at 120,000+ feet. Those are some high clouds.
Not the best movie but it’s ok.
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I remember that too. I was a 9 year old who had built models of the Murcury Redsone rocket and Gemini capsule and was captured by space.
It was a hot night in our non-air conditioned home in Chicago.
I remember it too. I went outside and spent a long time watching the moon. I wanted to be an astronaut.
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After seeing the movie I find complaints about the flag planting to be without merit. They do show the flag as being planted but just do not show the actual act of the planting. It was a long movie and you can’t show every detail.
Gosling was horrible.
They seemed to try their best to make Buzz Aldrin look like an ass. Maybe he was one. I don’t know.
The opening X-15 flight sequence seemed to show clouds at 120,000+ feet. Those are some high clouds.
Not the best movie but it’s ok.
I found Gosling to be uncharacteristically bad in this movie. I thought he was absolutely fantastic in Drive. Thought he was nothing special in this movie.
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I remember that too. I was a 9 year old who had built models of the Murcury Redsone rocket and Gemini capsule and was captured by space.
It was a hot night in our non-air conditioned home in Chicago.
I was 14 and at a classmate's house where a party was being held. I don't think the Moon landing was the reason for the party, but we were all glued to the screen. I, too, wanted to be an astronaut. :(
All of that seems like millenia ago now.
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:( One of the saddest sights in the world is all the deserted and crumbling launch facilities that once gave us such glorious excitement, pride, and visions of the future. :(
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Al to beat the USSR. Once that was over, so was any initiative we had to "explore" space. Now we can't leave Earth without hitching a ride with them. So who won? Sad.
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Al to beat the USSR. Once that was over, so was any initiative we had to "explore" space. Now we can't leave Earth without hitching a ride with them. So who won? Sad.
You’re exactly right. Our inability to be able to launch our own damned astronauts into space is a national disgrace. I would love it if this became a priority of Trump.
I heard there was a record number of applicants for the most recent NASA astronaut class. Maybe that’s because hey want participation trophies and know they probably will never go up in space in a Soviet spam can.
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Trump got onboard(so to speak) with the movement for a space force, and as usual - was roundly criticized by the media about an idea that's been bouncing around the HR and Senate for 5 years or more. It was a good idea under the BO admin but now that Trump likes it - that makes it bad.
Haven't seen the movie, but one of the Ryans' in Hollyweird is funny and irreverent, and the other is moody and way too self-assured. I don't know one from the other, but guessing this Ryan is not the funny one. If he plays it like he's got a phone pole stuck up his ass, that's the one that turns me off.
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Trump got onboard(so to speak) with the movement for a space force, and as usual - was roundly criticized by the media about an idea that's been bouncing around the HR and Senate for 5 years or more. It was a good idea under the BO admin but now that Trump likes it - that makes it bad.
Haven't seen the movie, but one of the Ryans' in Hollyweird is funny and irreverent, and the other is moody and way too self-assured. I don't know one from the other, but guessing this Ryan is not the funny one. If he plays it like he's got a phone pole stuck up his ass, that's the one that turns me off.
Trump could come up with a cure for cancer, and the Dems, and the Media (same thing) would criticize it.
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Trump could come up with a cure for cancer, and the Dems, and the Media (same thing) would criticize it.
They would claim he's putting Doctors and medical professionals out of work.
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They would claim he's putting Doctors and medical professionals out of work.
The headline would read something like:
Trump claims to cure cancer, but not EVERYBODY will be cured. Then they will talk about a woman in Iowa that died from a stage 4 cancer in spite of Trumps claims.
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The headline would read something like:
Trump claims to cure cancer, but not EVERYBODY will be cured. Then they will talk about a woman in Iowa that died from a stage 4 cancer in spite of Trumps claims.
and follow that with breathless exposes claiming President Trump LET die on purpose.
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My favorite line from the movie "The Right Stuff" - "Our Germans are better than their Germans.
:)
However, the American taxpayer was funding it, American contractors building it, and American astronauts FLYING it. This was a U.S. accomplishment and to ignore the flag planting which was the signature moment along with the first step is unacceptable. Hollywood SUCKS.
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Trump got onboard(so to speak) with the movement for a space force, and as usual - was roundly criticized by the media about an idea that's been bouncing around the HR and Senate for 5 years or more. It was a good idea under the BO admin but now that Trump likes it - that makes it bad.
Haven't seen the movie, but one of the Ryans' in Hollyweird is funny and irreverent, and the other is moody and way too self-assured. I don't know one from the other, but guessing this Ryan is not the funny one. If he plays it like he's got a phone pole stuck up his ass, that's the one that turns me off.
Check out Drive. It's good, in my opinion. And he's good in it. However, he played this movie with a similar vibe, and I don't think it worked nearly as well.
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Check out Drive. It's good, in my opinion. And he's good in it. However, he played this movie with a similar vibe, and I don't think it worked nearly as well.
Meh, not much of a movie buff. I think I saw that Ryan in a goofy movie with that weirdo from The Office about some family love triangle. He was a douche, playing a douche in the movie, and it was perfect typecasting. This might seem strange, but I don't go to any movie or music for the personality. I prefer a quality story by unknown actors over a blockbuster with big names. I also prefer quirky films, that are from indy producers. Sideways is one of my favorite movies. No big names, just quality writing and acting.
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Meh, not much of a movie buff. I think I saw that Ryan in a goofy movie with that weirdo from The Office about some family love triangle. He was a douche, playing a douche in the movie, and it was perfect typecasting. This might seem strange, but I don't go to any movie or music for the personality. I prefer a quality story by unknown actors over a blockbuster with big names. I also prefer quirky films, that are from indy producers. Sideways is one of my favorite movies. No big names, just quality writing and acting.
Drive is an Indie film by Danish filmmaker Nicolas Winding Refn, sort of done in the style of a 70s action movie. While he did cast Ryan Gosling (who at the time was a rising star) as the main character, I think he does well in the role. In the movie he doesn't even have a name. It also makes great use of lack of dialogue. It is also quite violent in parts.
Anyway, I enjoyed it.
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Drive is an Indie film by Danish filmmaker Nicolas Winding Refn, sort of done in the style of a 70s action movie. While he did cast Ryan Gosling (who at the time was a rising star) as the main character, I think he does well in the role. In the movie he doesn't even have a name. It also makes great use of lack of dialogue. It is also quite violent in parts.
Anyway, I enjoyed it.
Was Gosling in Remember the Titans? (Obviously that’s easy to Google but can’t do it right now.)
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Was Gosling in Remember the Titans? (Obviously that’s easy to Google but can’t do it right now.)
Never saw it but yes. Year 2000.
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Never saw it but yes. Year 2000.
It’s an outstanding movie. I highly recommend it, especially if you were a child of the 1960s.