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“Fly Me to the Moon” Trailer: A Fictional Depiction of Real Events
If you are even a casual space history enthusiast, watching the new trailer for the upcoming movie “Fly Me to the Moon” might leave you thinking that it is an entire work of fiction. And for the most part, you would be correct.
The Plot Unveiled
As the trailer reveals and Columbia Pictures and Apple Original Films’ synopsis reads, “Fly Me to the Moon” is a “comedy-drama set against the high-stakes backdrop of NASA’s historic Apollo 11 moon landing.” Scarlett Johansson plays the fictional Kelly Jones, a marketing maven who is brought in to fix NASA’s public image.
“I work here now, to sell the moon,” says Jones (Johansson), explaining why she is at NASA to launch director Cole Davis (Channing Tatum) in the trailer. Throughout the video, Jones is seen organizing commercial product placements for the Apollo astronauts to endorse and making drastic changes to NASA’s plans.
At the film’s core is “Project Artemis,” which involves faking the moon landing as a backup plan, a concept that echoes real-life events in a different light.
A Mix of Fact and Fiction
The movie blends real-life Apollo program elements with fictional endorsements. While NASA did not pay for promotional endorsements, companies whose products were used by astronauts were quick to capitalize on the association.
“Fly Me to the Moon” includes nods to famous endorsements tied to space missions, like Omega’s moon landing watch and Snoopy’s role as NASA’s safety mascot. These elements ground the film in reality, despite its exaggerated premise.
Authenticity in Detail
The filmmakers’ attention to detail is evident in the props and costumes, which mirror the equipment from the Apollo missions. Expert replica artist Ryan Nagata contributed to the authenticity by crafting accurate spacesuits, aligning with the portrayal of the era.
Some deviations from historical accuracy are present, such as showing a Saturn V rocket and a Saturn IB configuration not utilized until later missions. However, efforts were made to capture the essence of the Apollo era realistically.
Actors and Real-Life Inspirations
The movie features actors playing real historical figures, including the Apollo 1 crew and the Apollo 11 astronauts. While the leads have fictional names, their roles mirror the influence of marketing efforts during the space race.
NASA’s genuine commitment to public relations and marketing initiatives is reflected in the portrayal of Jones’ (Johansson) role. The agency indeed utilized public relations to promote the moon landings, underscoring the critical impact of marketing in space exploration history.
Conclusion
“Fly Me to the Moon” provides a fictional twist on historical events, emphasizing the interplay between truth and artistic license. Directed by Greg Berlanti and featuring a talented cast, the movie offers an intriguing perspective on NASA’s Apollo missions.
Opening in theaters on July 12, the film promises an entertaining blend of fact and fantasy, inviting audiences to revisit the iconic era of space exploration through a new lens.
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