Chasing The Moon' - The Film Depiction of The Space Race Era

Introduction

The documentary, “Chasing the Moon”, was aired on July 10, 2019. This three-part event covers the space race and the political dynamics of space exploration during the 1970s. The documentary aims to portray the meticulous political calculations, visionary impulses, and personal dramas of everyone involved at the peak of the space age. It reconstructs the tensions experienced by the United States, Russia, and the rest of the world during the edgy period of the Cold War.

'Chasing The Moon' - The Film Depiction of The Space Race Era

“Chasing the Moon” does an exceptional job of expressing the significance of this monumental moment in history. It provides viewers with primary sources from journalists who covered the space race from its inception, while using firsthand news coverage of people and events during the 1970s. Their emotional descriptions are filled with marvel and admiration from the very beginning of the film, creating a captivating immersive experience. The documentary also highlights the importance of Wernher von Braun, a man who kept America vigilant with his tense history but also advanced the United States during the space race. These elements perfectly illustrate the significance of this historical event through personal experiences and narratives.

Authenticity and Accuracy

The documentary convincingly assures its audience of the correctness and accuracy of its information. It features primary visual depictions of historical events from the 1970s, such as news clips from NBC News, radio broadcasts, and presidential or political speeches. Journalists with firsthand experience narrate and explain these events that unfolded during the era of space exploration. Secondary sources, such as historians John Logsdon and Roger Launius, unravel the complicated politics of space. The film devotes lengthy segments to excerpts from the 1960 Columbia Pictures film “I Aim at the Stars”, used as a secondary source to emphasize Wernher von Braun’s tense past.

Historical Insights

One of the historians, John Logsdon, narrates most of the documentary alongside other historians. John Logsdon is the Director of the Space Policy Institute at George Washington University and a former member of the NASA Advisory Council, which gives him strong credibility within the field of this documentary as a historian. Logsdon claims in the documentary that the Kennedy administration was very media-conscious during the space age, ultimately televising and radio broadcasting everything that occurred during his time in office. This claim is also made in an article by Logsdon titled “John F. Kennedy’s Space Legacy and Its Lessons for Today”.

Conclusion

“Chasing the Moon” is undoubtedly an eye-opening documentary. It reminds viewers of the significance of the space race, even during the most complex of times. The rivalry between the two countries is portrayed perfectly, giving a sense of urgency. The use of old live news coverage and personal interviews adds a compelling edge, capturing viewers' interest. This approach provides the documentary with a real advantage by producing credible, legitimate feelings and thoughts experienced during this period.

Final Thoughts

My thoughts on the three-part documentary are that it holds great value and effectively portrays its significance. It serves as a reminder of a time when the entire world unified to put a man on the moon. Everyone should be reminded of this momentous occasion, which was a testament to human ingenuity and determination.

References

• Logsdon, J. M. (2019). John F. Kennedy’s Space Legacy and Its Lessons for Today. Space Policy Institute.
• Chasing the Moon [Documentary]. (2019). PBS American Experience.