If you don’t know who Damien Chazelle is, we are only slightly judging you. Damien is the genius writer-director behind two fantastic, Academy Award-winning movies, “Whiplash” and “La La Land.” If you’ve seen both of these films, then you know that they share one common theme– jazz. Meaning it’s probably safe to assume that Damien’s most recent project would focus on “America’s Classical Music” as well, right? Wrong. The film, entitled “First Man,” is a film based on James Hansen’s biography “First Man: A Life of Neil A. Armstrong” and tells the story of NASA’s mission to land a man on the moon, focusing on Neil Armstrong and the years 1961-1969.
The film, written by “Spotlight” writer Josh Singer, will star Ryan Gosling as Neil Armstrong. Alongside Gosling will be “The Crown’s” Claire Foy, Corey Stoll, Kyle Chandler, Jason Clarke, Shea Whigham, and Jon Bernthal. As well, coming back for his fourth collaboration with Chazelle is American film composer Justin Hurwitz. So, while this film may not be jazz-oriented, there are a few similarities between “First Man” and the cast and crew of “Chazelle movies past,” which mean’s we are sure to love it. Here’s the official synopsis, courtesy of Universal:
On the heels of their six-time Academy Award-winning smash, La La Land, Oscar-winning director Damien Chazelle and star Ryan Gosling reteam for Universal Pictures’ First Man, the riveting story of NASA’s mission to land a man on the moon, focusing on Neil Armstrong and the years 1961-1969. A visceral, first-person account, based on the book by James R. Hansen, the movie will explore the sacrifices and the cost—on Armstrong and on the nation—of one of the most dangerous missions in history.
Written by Academy Award® winner Josh Singer (Spotlight), the drama is produced by Wyck Godfrey & Marty Bowen (The Twilight Saga, The Fault in Our Stars) through their Temple Hill Entertainment banner, alongside Chazelle and Gosling. Isaac Klausner (The Fault in Our Stars) executive produces. Amblin Entertainment co-finances the film.
“First Man” is set to blast off into theaters on October 12.
