On July 20, 1969, Neil Armstrong become the first human to step onto the lunar surface.
50 years ago this year!
This documentary is outstanding. Just getting a glimpse at technology in 1969. The clothing. Even seeing that smoking was so much of a social norm that it was allowed during working hours on a federal government campus!
Spine-tingling sound effects. Crisp archival footage—the clarity was absolutely breath-taking. You would think they filmed this last week, or they lifted some shots from Damien Chazelle’s “First Man.”
I think I have a harmony with expository and observational documentaries more than say the participatory and performative ones. This film used archival footage with an effective score and minimal soundtrack—simplicity matters when the product is a treasure chest of beautifully restored film.
Beautifully directed also. Not too technical, but you can tell the direct had a singular focus and stuck with it throughout. Definitely perked up in my chair for a few moments. Can’t lie, I was overcome with emotion at the end, shed a couple thug tears. Especially when they referenced JFK’s promise to get the USA to the moon. (I’m a JFK snob, so anything about him, any footage of him will break me).
Armstrong’s “mankind” quote is simple, straight-forward, and iconic, but it’s how he responded to President Nixon that really choked me up and reminded me why I’m a scientist:
President Nixon: “Hello, Neil and Buzz. I’m talking to you by telephone from the Oval Room at the White House, and this certainly has to be the most historic telephone call ever made from the White House. I just can’t tell you how proud we all are of what you have done. For every American, this has to be the proudest day of our lives. And for people all over the world, I am sure that they, too, join with Americans in recognizing what an immense feat this is. Because of what you have done, the heavens have become a part of man’s world. And as you talk to us from the Sea of Tranquility, it inspires us to redouble our efforts to bring peace and tranquility to Earth. For one priceless moment in the whole history of man, all the people on this Earth are truly one; one in their pride in what you have done, and one in our prayers that you will return safely to Earth.”
Armstrong: “Thank you, Mr. President. It’s a great honor and privilege for us to be here representing not only the United States but men of peace of all nations, and with interests and the curiosity and with the vision for the future. It’s an honor for us to be able to participate here today.”
Chazelle’s “First Man,” a film adaptation of the Armstrong’s biography, was an awesome precursor for this! I could tell even more now how meticulous Chazelle was in his research, and I still believe he missed out on a few technical honors from last awards season.
Yo, also, I cannot forget—I accredit Neil Armstrong, Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin, and Michael Collins as patriots and true American heroes, but this sentiment needs to extend to all those American scientists, engineers, human computers, technicians, and all other personnel at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration who sacrificed so much for us to know the unknown. Truly spectacular and motivating mission, and it inspires me to get to work.
Just for context of my excitement for this film and my extensive blerdom, this is my bathroom. There’s a NASA shower curtain too (not pictured). And I dressed as Dr. Mae Jemison for Halloween a few years back. Don’t judge me. LOL.