About First Man’s Popularity on Streaming
"First Man," directed by Damien Chazelle and starring Ryan Gosling, has made a strong comeback as a streaming favorite years after its release. It’s now the fourth most popular film on HBO’s global list. Some other films in the top spots include newer releases like "A Minecraft Movie," "Sinners," and "Wicked."
The Storyline
Released in 2018 by Universal Pictures, "First Man" takes us back to the early Apollo missions during the intense space race against the Soviets. We see Neil Armstrong, played by Gosling, joining NASA as one of its most promising pilots. Armstrong’s ambition to be the first person on the moon comes at a personal cost, as he often prioritizes his dream over family life. The screenplay, written by Oscar-winner Josh Singer, is based on James R. Hansen’s authorized biography of Armstrong.
The Cast and Crew
Ryan Gosling leads an impressive cast, including Claire Foy, Jason Clarke, Corey Stoll, Kyle Chandler, Patrick Fugit, Pablo Schreiber, Ethan Embry, and Ciarán Hinds. Together, they bring the story of Armstrong and the Apollo missions to life with depth and authenticity.
Critical Reception and Box Office
Critics largely praised "First Man," particularly noting Chazelle’s direction and Gosling’s performance. It holds an 87% rating on Rotten Tomatoes; however, the audience score is a bit lower at 68%. Despite critical acclaim, the film did not perform as well commercially. After "La La Land," this was a downturn for Chazelle, who later directed "Babylon," another film that didn’t make a huge splash at the box office.
Awards and Nominations
"First Man" received recognition during awards season. It snagged Oscar nominations for Best Production Design, Best Sound Editing, Best Sound Mixing, and Best Visual Effects. Although it didn’t secure nominations in the major categories, it did win the Oscar for Best Visual Effects, an achievement that surprised some, given the strong competition from films like "Ready Player One."
Conclusion
While "First Man" might not have hit the commercial highs initially expected, it has found its audience on streaming platforms. The film’s powerful storytelling and stellar performances have earned it a respected place among space dramas, offering a detailed look at the sacrifices involved in making history.
