The moon landing is a historical event that is widely understood. People know that the Apollo 11 landed successfully, and people recognize that famous Neil Armstrong quote “One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind” that was uttered upon him stepping foot on the surface. What people don’t know, however, is the planning, training, and trials that were done long before the rocket ever launched. Strong and confident, Damien Chazelle (of “Whiplash” and “La La Land” fame) is a matured director, giving appropriate substance to both scenes with his family and at NASA.

Focusing more on the life of Neil Armstrong, as well as those that occupied it, “First Man” is a look into the personal life and little-reported history that all led to him becoming the first man on the moon. Focusing on the Apollo 11 mission and the stress that surrounded it, the production crew had NASA heavily involved with the script, ensuring everything was as accurate as possible. Beautifully scored, “First Man” is a slow, tender film that will no doubt generate buzz at the Oscars.

Shifting between the weight and stress involved with planning the Apollo 11 mission and how that reflected within his family life, cinematographer Linus Sandgren similarly changes the tone depending on the scene. Moving between cooler colors for the scenes centered on Apollo 11 and warmer yellows with a handheld camera for those focusing on his family, the film is both calculating and touching, mathematical and domestic, personal and studious.

Its strength lies within that balance, allowing the viewer to get a more intimate view into the parts of Armstrong’s life that otherwise are not known.

While the dual focus of “First Man” offers a more whole understanding of the events in Armstrong’s life, at times the constant change in focus can create a muddled, distracting narrative. Especially in the third act, the shift between his work life and family life, as well as the interconnected stressors, comes too quick, carries too much, and starts to distract from the other half. Both parts are strongly written and important in their own right, but the attempt to fit both storylines in is too hectic, especially considering everything that is already shown within the film’s 2 hour 21 minute runtime.

Slow burning and elegant, “First Man” is, visually, an exercise between light and dark. Silhouettes and shapes contrasting against one another, the film is a quiet and ponderous look through one of the most recognized chapters in Neil Armstrong’s life. Unafraid to paint him as a flawed human being, Ryan Gosling channels Neil Armstrong perfectly, creating a realistic character with genuine, heartfelt emotions. While the plot is too busy at times, the overall enjoyment of the film is hardly dampened. A historical biopic that is both educational and intriguing, “First Man” is for sure one to watch.

Grade: B+

Rose Dunton, originally of Nampa, has been living in Pocatello for the past four years. Proficient in Japanese, she is an avid film buff.