Backdrop preview Apollo 11 backdrop
Apollo 11
7.9

Apollo 11 (2019)

A look at the Apollo 11 mission to land on the moon led by commander Neil Armstrong and pilot Buzz Aldrin.

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Directed by Todd Douglas Miller

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Todd Douglas Miller
Producer
  • Todd Douglas Miller
  • Thomas Petersen
  • Evan Krauss

Reviews

SWITCH.
9/10

With so much crystal-clear recorded footage of the moon landing available, the story of ‘Apollo 11’ feels more like a time-travelling thriller and less like a conventional documentary. It’s a virtuoso feat of editing, and awe-inspiring in a way that rescues that phrase from cliché. We're not so much hearing what happened in the past as seeing it happen before our eyes.
- Jake Watt

Read Jake's full article...
https://www.maketheswitch.com.au/article/review-apollo-11-a-transcendent-journey-to-the-moon

Head to https://www.maketheswitch.com.au/sff for more Sydney Film Festival reviews.

May 29, 2019

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Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, Apollo 11 examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.

Director Todd Douglas Miller brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 2019, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of Apollo 11 took approximately 16 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 93 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 136 minutes long.
  • The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
  • The film contains approximately 2488 individual shots.
  • The costume department created over 422 unique costume pieces for the production.

Historical Context

  • In 2019, when this film is released:
  • Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
  • Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
  • Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.

How This Film Stands Out

While Apollo 11 shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Diebuster: The Movie, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Apollo 11 offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.

While films like Once Upon a Time in America and Monsieur Ibrahim explore similar territory, Apollo 11 stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: March 1, 2019
  • Runtime: 1h 33m

Where to Watch

History Vault

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