Apollo 11 is a very unique movie that gives the viewer a first hand account of the moon landing. It is different from all the other movies and documentaries previously released about the moon landing. The director of the movie Todd Douglas Miller edited original, mostly unseen clips including the liftoff, the landing, the departure from the moon, and the return to Earth. The event in itself is obviously very exciting and groundbreaking, but with this original footage the viewer feels as if they are actually there, which in a way they were. The director does a great job portraying the dramatic nature of the event by showing clips from movie like angles. When the platform is being wheeled to its designated spot the director chooses a clip that magnifies the giant size of the takeoff spot. After takeoff the movie shows clips from inside the spacecraft and also the people on the ground making sure everything in the air is going well. The footage in the spacecraft shows the tenseness of the astronauts while also showing their excitement due to the monumental nature of the task they are attempting to complete. My favorite part of the movie was when the astronauts took a call from President Richard Nixon. This showed the importance of this event. Another interesting part of the movie was the footage shown from the outside of the spacecraft. It showed the orbiter and lander separating and reuniting accompanied by other cameras showing the reactions of the NASA workers on the ground. All this vintage footage gave viewers not only a better understanding of the moon landing from a viewing perspective, but also from the perspective of its importance.
Apollo 11 ERA
December 6, 2019 by · 2 Comments
I agree! It was exciting to watch a different, realistic documentation of the moon landing. I find it interesting how the director was able to create a movie-like film with the use of real-life footage of the moon landing. The telling of the story in the present tense added a more intense element, making this documentation different than most other films about the moon landing. It makes the watchers feel more involved and like they are a greater part of history in the United States history. Scenes such as those containing the liftoff and the landing are thrilling for watchers. the phone call with President Nixon shows the significance of this event in our history of the United States. It potentially instills a sense of patriotism and pride in our country for achieving such great feet. I also find that it provides credit to many people who may be forgotten to be a part of this great event as real names are used. Many people often just think of Neil Armstrong and President Nixon, but there were many more people who deserve credit for their hard work on Apollo 11.
Your description of Apollo 11 touches very well on the ways in which the film is unique and provides an extremely interesting perspective to viewers of an important historical event. The fact that actual footage of the event is available and has been cut together in a way that allows people in our generation and the future to feel the excitement of the event in a similar way to those who were alive when it actually happened is a brilliant way in which technology is able to evoke emotions and tell stories. I enjoyed how you mentioned examples of specific scenes that you found interesting, like the call from President Nixon.