First Man, a profound biopic

With First Man, writer-director Damien Chazelle, based on the novel by James R. Hansen, boldly reflects the tense restraint of his protagonist to bring Neil Armstrong's legendary moon landing to life.

Ryan Gosling immerses himself in the role with an inner intensity, conveying Armstrong's relentless focus and tormented private pain in a way that resonated deeply with audiences.

Despite huge budgets, few films have recreated the gripping reality of space travel while illuminating its immense psychological cost as Chazelle achieves here, thanks also to his dream technical team.

Scenes of perilous launches are practically unwatchable for their visceral verisimilitude, a tribute to Chazelle's empathy for the courage of his protagonists amidst personal sacrifice in the grandest of settings.

Though some complained about his avoidance of mass heroics, First Man rises as an in-depth biopic and a cutting-edge sci-fi chamber piece for posterity, a major achievement deserving of wider acclaim.

Ryan Gosling was nominated for Golden Globes and BAFTAs for his intense portrayal of Neil Armstrong, considered one of the best of his career.

The production design, visual effects and cinematography received Academy Award nominations, showcasing the film's technical marvels.

At the box office, First Man grossed $162 million worldwide on a budget of $59 million, a respectable figure although lower than expected given Chazelle's cache after La La Land.

However, the film found a strong audience in domestic media and continues to grow its fan base over time as its brilliance is discovered, much like Chazelle's other works.