Review of The Right Stuff (1983) by Tibor B — 02 Apr 2009

One of those great American epics that is so consistently good fun that you forget its 3 hour running time. It follows the early, near suicidal attempts by test pilots to break the sound barrier in the X1, as well as their long suffering families on the ground.

Following the Russians success in space, the Americans childishly spring into action to compete, realising that a PR opportunity to create some all-American heroes means the early rockets would have to be manned.

Kaufman successfully manages to cram a lot into his film - the seven space program pilots are treated with respect for their bravery and hero status , and far from being government pawns they were real pilots who refused to compromise.

But the space program itself is often ridiculed for its stubborn smallmindedness, and the media frenzy is a constant harassment for the families. Each pilots flight has a different feel, from nail-biting reentry with a damaged craft through to an almost supernatural experience with cosmic fireflies.

It's view on heroism is both respectful and satiric, with Sam Shepards continued, unpublicised attempts to go faster in conventional aircraft, and the far greater pilot skills and bravery required, contrasted with the heavily funded, media-worshipped space race.

Some of the effects and synth soundtracks date the film, but nothing which diminishes any of the enjoyment.