Ryan Gosling‘s portrayal of astronaut Neil Armstrong in Damien Chazelle’s biographical drama First Man has long been overlooked despite its critical recognition, including an Oscar win. Now, the film is accessible to viewers at no cost on Amazon Prime Video, offering a new opportunity to appreciate this underrated work.
Following the excitement building around Gosling’s upcoming sci-fi film Project Hail Mary, First Man is streaming for free with ads on Prime Video, according to Collider. This availability may renew interest in the film, which had previously been on Netflix but struggled with underwhelming box office results and mixed reviews.
Factors Behind First Man’s Limited Popularity
While the movie received praise for its depiction of astronaut life—with an astronaut himself commending its accuracy—it sparked controversy for omitting a direct scene of Armstrong planting the American flag on the moon, though the flag is shown elsewhere. This artistic choice sparked complaints from viewers and critics, possibly affecting public perception.
Because of this controversy and the film’s subdued marketing appeal, Amazon may see offering First Man for free as a strategic way to attract viewers reluctant to pay for a movie with a tarnished reputation. The renewed interest generated by Project Hail Mary’s trailer could encourage audiences to give First Man another chance in its free streaming format.
By removing the paywall barrier, the film stands a better chance of engaging a wider audience and potentially achieving the recognition it missed during its original release.
Why First Man Warrants Renewed Attention
Ryan Gosling delivers a compelling performance as Neil Armstrong, capturing both the stoicism and vulnerability of the man behind the historic Moon landing. In his first venture into science fiction, director Damien Chazelle combines emotional depth with technical precision, making the film more than a typical biopic.
Rather than focusing solely on the mission’s triumph, First Man explores the personal sacrifices and emotional struggles that accompanied Armstrong’s journey, culminating in an ending that is as moving as it is thrilling.
Despite its artistic merits, First Man holds a modest 68% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes and was overshadowed by other blockbusters in 2018, leaving it underappreciated. Free streaming might provide the exposure needed for a fairer appraisal of the film’s strengths within the space race genre.
Recognition at the Academy Awards in 2019
First Man received multiple Academy Award nominations, highlighting its technical achievements, though it did not secure wins in most categories. The nominations included:
Best Production Design – Nathan Crowley and Kathy Lucas (Nominated)
Best Sound Editing – Ai-Ling Lee and Mildred Iatrou Morgan (Nominated)
Best Sound Mixing – Jon Taylor, Frank A. Montaño, Ai-Ling Lee, and Mary H. Ellis (Nominated)
Best Visual Effects – Paul Lambert, Ian Hunter, Tristan Myles, and J. D. Schwalm (Nominated)
The film’s artistic and technical craftsmanship was clearly acknowledged by industry peers, even if it did not dominate the awards season.
Implications of Streaming Availability on Viewership and Legacy
Making First Man freely accessible on Prime Video could substantially increase its audience reach, allowing viewers to reassess the film outside of its initial commercial struggles. Though the current buzz centers on Gosling’s next sci-fi project, this renewed spotlight might elevate the standing of First Man among his body of work.
The film presents a balanced portrait of Neil Armstrong, focusing on the intricate challenges behind one of humanity’s most celebrated achievements. Co-star Claire Foy’s role as Janet Armstrong adds emotional layers, showing the personal toll the mission exerted on family life.
By humanizing the historic event and diving into the complexities of the man who took humanity’s first steps on the Moon, First Man goes beyond a simple retelling of history to offer an immersive and reflective experience.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why did Ryan Gosling take 4 years off?
A. When asked about his break, Gosling said he chose it after he and Eva Mendes had their second child. “I wanted to spend as much time as possible with them,” he mentioned. Taking the break also shifted how he felt about his acting career, he added.
Q. What is Ryan Gosling’s religion?
A. His parents have French Canadian roots, and they also have some German, English, Scottish, and Irish ancestry. His family belonged to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Gosling mentioned that this religion impacted all parts of their lives.
Q. Does Ryan Gosling have any disabilities?
A. The actor faced many challenges during his childhood. Despite these obstacles, he still became one of the top actors, receiving three Oscar nominations. The star of Blade Runner 2049 revealed that he had a learning disability, which made things difficult for him…
Q. Which religion is Ryan Gosling?
A. Director Henry Bean chose Gosling for the role because his background with the Mormon faith gave him insight into feeling isolated, similar to Judaism. Kevin Thomas from the Los Angeles Times admired Gosling’s performance as both thrilling and believable. Similarly, Todd McCarthy from Variety described it as outstanding, suggesting it was nearly flawless.
