First Man, directed by Damien Chazelle and released in 2018, is a biographical drama film that chronicles the life of astronaut Neil Armstrong. Based on the biography by James R. Hansen, the film explores Armstrong’s journey leading up to the historic Apollo 11 mission in 1969, where he became the first person to walk on the moon. Ryan Gosling portrays Neil Armstrong, offering a nuanced performance that captures the astronaut’s stoicism and the challenges he faced in his personal and professional life.

The film distinguishes itself with its emphasis on realism, utilizing a documentary-style approach to recreate the space race era. The intense and visceral portrayal of space missions, particularly the lunar landing, immerses the audience in the risks and triumphs of the Apollo program. “First Man” received critical acclaim for its technical achievements, including its cinematography and sound design, earning Academy Awards for Best Visual Effects. The film stands as a compelling tribute to Neil Armstrong’s legacy, providing an intimate and introspective look at the man behind the historic lunar footsteps and the sacrifices made by those involved in the monumental achievement of reaching the moon.