Review of First Man (2018) by Haiku B — 16 Oct 2018

Progress is not Linear.

Progress is not linear - this simple idea is represented in the movie First Man skillfully directed by Damien Chazelle. Everyone can find evidence of this thesis "Progress is not linear" in his/her own life - losing weight, growing children, stock value changes on the market, learning, extending the rights and other examples. The plot of this movie refers to several outstanding historical events in the 20th century, which were brought great hope for discoveries in space and traveling throughout the Galaxies. Unfortunately, this hope didn't become a regular practice in the beginning of the 21st century. Also, among the 12 US citizens who landed on the Moon, no women were there. Meanwhile, three things make this movie outstanding and create its own chapter in cinematic history. First, the movie articulates the exceptional achievements of the American nation. Second, it emphases the drama of astronauts' wives who struggled with their grief, fears and worries of their husbands' professional risks. Third, "First man" inspires a new generation around the world to keep learning Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) and believe in their own accomplishments. Technically, the movie doesn't have typical Sci-Fi or Marvel's Adventure visual effects or any elements making the characters courageous and heroic, although Hollywood stories are full of this when they shoot space stories. The film looks like a feature documentary with relatively simple camera shooting of main sets and scenes. In "First Man" the idea of "simplicity is genius" becomes apparent. Additionally, the musical score lifts the emotions more powerfully, than any visual effects. This movie is a personal success for those people who have were involved in its creation.