Space is an infinite playground where filmmakers can let their imaginations run wild and audiences can explore distant worlds, frightening aliens, and anything in between. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration is exactly what it sounds like: the buttoned-up, facts-first organization that got us to space for real. When you are making a movie about an organization as methodical and prudent as NASA, how do you craft an engaging conflict to drive your story?
There is no perfect approach—ever since Richard Donner’s “X-15” first depicted the space program in 1961, filmmakers have been looking for different angles to dramatize NASA.
Some invent worst-case scenarios that put the program through its paces, like “Marooned,” “Gravity,” or “The Martian” (or, in the case of “Apollo 13,” dramatize a real-life crisis). Some make biopics that lightly fictionalize NASA’s early days, like “The Right Stuff,” “Hidden Figures,” or “First Man.” Others take the program into the realm of science fiction in existential sagas like “Interstellar” and “Ad Astra.”
This constant urge to sex up NASA is central to the new romantic comedy “Fly Me to the Moon,” which opens at The Triplex this week. The story of a Madison Avenue marketing expert (Scarlett Johansson) brought in to revamp NASA’s image ahead of the Apollo 11 launch, “Fly Me to the Moon” operates as a meta-critique of Hollywood’s relationship with the space program.
When Johansson’s character begins casting actors to portray NASA staff for media appearances and possibly stage the moon landing, the movie confronts the fact that the hard-won achievements of the scientific community often struggle to capture the public consciousness without some sort of spin.
Which is deeply ironic: NASA’s work undeniably ranks amongst humanity’s finest achievements, thanks in part to the organization’s single-minded focus on a lack of drama. But we are drawn to messiness; if a filmmaker wants to bring NASA to the big screen, it is up to them to engineer engaging, complex plots and protagonists that allow their movies to take flight.
Now Playing
“Inside Out 2”
The smash-hit sequel continues at The Triplex.
Things are getting a little crowded inside Riley’s head. The long-awaited follow-up to Pixar’s 2015 animated smash-hit, “Inside Out 2” follows Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust as they deal with a new class of emotions brought on by Riley’s preteen years, including Anxiety, Embarrassment, Envy, and Ennui.
“Despicable Me 4”
The latest entry in the beloved family franchise comes to The Triplex.
Sometimes it takes an evil genius to be a dad. Gru and family welcome baby Gru Jr. in “Despicable Me 4″—and immediately find themselves on the run from new supervillains Maxime Le Mal (Will Ferrell) and his femme fatale girlfriend Valentina (Sofia Vergara) in this latest entry in the beloved family franchise.
Coming Soon
“Twisters”
Lee Isaac Chung’s (“Minari”) follow-up to Jan De Bont’s 1996 disaster classic, “Twisters” follows a new generation of storm chasers as they put their lives on the line to learn more about nature’s most destructive storms. Led by rising stars Daisy Edgar-Jones (“Normal People”) and Glen Powell (“Hit Man”), “Twisters” is a throwback action movie for people who like their films as big and loud as possible. Opens July 19.
“Deadpool & Wolverine”
Two of the biggest names in comics team up to save the multiverse (and break the fourth wall) in “Deadpool & Wolverine.” Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman officially join the MCU in their signature foul-mouthed, violent fashion when these iconic superheroes are forced to team up to fight a new super-powered foe. Opens July 26.
“How to Come Alive with Norman Mailer”
Eleven bestselling books, two Pulitzer Prizes, six marriages, and nine children. Take an intimate look at the life of a towering figure of American literature in “How to Come Alive with Norman Mailer,” the new documentary from Director Jeff Zimbalist. Stay on August 9 after the 7:15 screening when Maggie Mailer sits down with The Bookstore’s Matt Tannenbaum to discuss her father’s life and legacy.
