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09/02/2001 Archived Entry: "The Right Stuff"

A few jumbled thoughts after seeing The Right Stuff on Sky Cinema tonight.

This film is an absolute masterpiece; not only does it defy pigeonholing into a single genre but it manages to evoke some of the widest range of feelings I've ever encountered in watching a single movie. I was expecting the film to lag slightly, as it's over three hours long, but by some stroke of genius it managed to fill that time so there isn't a dull moment.

When you consider that the film doesn't follow a single character - strictly, it follows at least 8 main characters plus a whole supporting cast - the achievements of its direct, Philip Kaufman, really begins to stand out.

I don't think I've laughed more at a movie than I did in watching this one; it managed to make me laugh out loud more than any comedy film - although that's not difficult as with many of the recent comedies I tend to feel more embarrassed than amused. There wasn't any of forced or childish MTV humour that you see in lesser flicks like Armageddon or Space Cowboys - in any case, they all ripped their stuff off from The Right Stuff.

It's the sort of film that makes you proud to be an American (if you were an American, that is), but at the same time it doesn't project some kind of untarnished image of the country - it pokes fun at itself and occasionally reveals that all is not well. What did bring a smile to my face was the way in which it managed to highlight the glorious excesses that America seems to excel in.

After watching this film I'd ordered the DVD within five minutes. Admittedly, I've had my eye on it for several months now and it only cost £8.99 (Play247.com) but even so, it's a rare movie that I'll buy on DVD.