One of the best films I saw at the Toronto International Film Festival and one of the best films of 2018 isFirst Man. Directed by Oscar-winningWhiplashandLa La LandfilmmakerDamien Chazelle,the film is based on a book byJames R. Hansenand chronicles the amazing behind-the-scenes story of NASA’s mission to land a man on the moon, focusing onNeil Armstrongbetween the years of 1961 and 1969.Ryan Goslingfills the role of Armstrong in the film, with Emmy-winningThe CrownactressClaire Foyplaying Armstrong’s wife Janet. The film also starsJason Clarke,Kyle Chandler,Patrick Fugit,Ciaran Hinds,Ethan Embry,Shea Whigham,Corey Stoll, andPablo Schreiber.First Manwas written by Oscar-winningSpotlightandThe Postco-writerJosh Singerand produced byWyck GodfreyandMarty Bowenalongside Chazelle and Gosling.
While we’ve all seen a number of movie and TV projects about the early days of NASA and the space race, Chazelle opens the door to a new way of looking at the subject matter by the way he frames the events on screen. Trust me, even though I knew which missions were successful, I was on the edge of my seat as I watched the astronauts attempt to do the impossible. I cannot recommend this movie enough and I’m extremely confident it will be up for all the big awards at the upcoming Oscars.
Shortly after seeing the film, Damien Chazelle, screenwriter Josh Singer, Director of PhotographyLinus Sandgrenand Sound DesignerAi-Ling Leecame into the Collider studio at TIFF to talk about the film. During the wide-ranging interview they talked about the decision to shoot in 16mm and IMAX, whether the studio had an opinion on the film’s unconventional methods of telling the story, what it was about the story and the characters that got them excited to tell this story, how they chose when to dramatize events when telling a true story, why SpaceX got a special “thank you” in the credits, how they brought in consultants and experts to watch the film before picture lock, and so much more.
Check out what they had to say in the player above and below is exactly what we talked about. You can also read Matt Goldberg’sreview ofFirst Manhere.
Damien Chazelle, Josh Singer, Linus Sandgren and Ai-Ling Lee:
Finally, big thanks to the partners who made our TIFF interviews possible:
Aurora,Presenting Partner, one of Canada’s largest federally licensed cannabis companies and an official partner of the Toronto International Film Festival. Aurora’s involvement is anchored by its passion for the arts and commitment to providing financial support for the creative community.
Toasting the evening’s festivities will beLa Marca Prosecco, an elegant, luxurious sparkling wine. The premium wines of California’s Ghost Pines Winery will also be served!
Frank Rea Event DesignsToronto’s top event florist and ambient designer Frank Rea creatively lends his support with décor statements and floral designs through Forget Me Not Flowers & Frank Rea Event Designs.
The Collider Studio at the House of Aurora was produced by A-list Communications and The Substance Group.
