The Right Stuff

Plot

The Right Stuff (1983) is a historical drama film that tells the story of the early years of the United States' space exploration program, specifically focusing on the Mercury Seven astronauts who were part of the first group of Americans to venture into space. The film is based on Tom Wolfe's 1979 book of the same name, which chronicles the formation and achievements of the Mercury astronauts. The movie begins by introducing Alan Shepard, played by Scott Glenn, who becomes the first American in space after being chosen for the Mercury program. However, Shepard's achievement is not without controversy, as he struggles to maintain his cool demeanor during a test flight and nearly causes an accident. Meanwhile, Gus Grissom, played by Ed Harris, is portrayed as a hardworking and dedicated astronaut who is determined to succeed. Despite his best efforts, however, Grissom seems cursed, with everything that can go wrong doing so. His Mercury capsule, Liberty Bell 7, suffers a catastrophic failure during re-entry, leaving Grissom feeling defeated and demoralized. As the story unfolds, the film explores the personalities and quirks of the other Mercury astronauts, including John Glenn (Dennis Quaid), Scott Carpenter (Sam Shepard), Wally Schirra (Chuck Yeager), Gordon Cooper (Bud Childers), Pete Conrad (Scott Collla), and Deke Slayton (James Earl Jones). The film also delves into the cutthroat competition among the astronauts, as well as their struggles to balance their personal lives with the demands of their high-pressure jobs. Throughout the film, director Philip Kaufman masterfully weaves together multiple storylines, exploring themes such as ambition, loyalty, and the human desire to push beyond boundaries. The Right Stuff is a gripping and inspiring portrayal of a pivotal moment in American history, offering a nuanced and thoughtful examination of the early days of space exploration. The film's climax centers around Shepard's historic suborbital flight on May 5, 1961, which marks a major milestone for the United States in the space race. The movie concludes with a sense of triumph and anticipation, as the Mercury astronauts look to the future and the challenges that lie ahead. Overall, The Right Stuff is a powerful and engaging film that pays tribute to the pioneers who paved the way for America's achievements in space exploration. With its rich characters, gripping storylines, and historical significance, it remains an enduring classic of American cinema.

Source from: TMDB

Reviews

Elijah

★5.1

The Right Stuff feels like a wild ride, but honestly, I’d rather deal with Mercury’s launch than my own Monday morning commute. 这看起来像是一场精彩的冒险，但我宁愿和梅赛奇的起飞有关，也不愿意与我的周一大早上驾车拥堵。

4/3/2025, 3:45:54 AM

Edward

★6.4

The film "The Right Stuff" captures the essence of human ingenuity and perseverance in the face of extraordinary challenges. Through the eyes of Alan Shepherd and Gus Grissom, it highlights the triumphs and tribulations of America's early space program, offering a profound insight into the cost of progress and the spirit of exploration that continues to inspire us today. 翻译：这部电影《The Right Stuff》捕捉了人类在面对extraordinary挑战时的创造力和毅力。通过阿兰·谢泓顿和古斯·格里森的视角，影片展现了美国早期太空计划的胜利与挫折，深刻揭示了进步的代价以及继续激励我们今天的探索精神。

4/1/2025, 8:58:19 PM