First Man, starring Ryan Gosling, opened the Venice Film Festival on Wednesday and everyone noticed that it has left out the moment Armstrong planted the US flag on the Moon.
When the Canadian actor was asked if ‘First Man‘ deliberately took the focus away from US patriotism, Gosling said the achievement ‘transcended countries and borders.’
He added that he believes the Moon landing was widely seen as a ‘human achievement’ and that’s what the film reflects.
I don’t think that Neil viewed himself as an American hero. From my interviews with his family and people that knew him, it was quite the opposite. And we wanted the film to reflect Neil.” Gosling said
Gosling also joked that he may be biased because he is Canadian.
Co-produced by Steven Spielberg, First Man – which also stars Claire Foy – is based on a 2005 biography by historian James Hansen.
First Man is one of 21 movies in competition for the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival which will be awarded on September 8.
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