Film Review - The Dream is Alive: 'The Astronaut Farmer' (2024)

It's astory that should be familiar to any space exploration enthusiast.

In spite ofthe obstacles, including the laws of physics, political pressure and a limitingbudget, a small but spirited group launches their dreams. It's thestory behind the current New Space movement.It's the story behind NASA's past andfuture.

It's thestory of "The Astronaut Farmer." [IMAGES:View scenes from the film.]

A man,his horse and his rocket

CharlesFarmer -- portrayed with just the right mix of quirkiness and sentimentality byactor Billy Bob Thornton [image]-- was well on his way to being an astronautwhen he gave up on his dream of flying in space to return to his family's Texasranch [image].Years later, he is married to a supportive and beautiful wife (Virginia Madsen)and together they have three children.

Farmer'sfascination with space is far from a distant memory, though. His first born, ason, is named Shepard after the nation'sfirst astronaut. Farmer has acquired his own vintage spacesuit, which he ishappy to wear for a visit to his daughter's classroom.

And oh yes,he's built a rocket in his barn [image].

Not a modelrocket, of the type many astronaut-hopefuls build and launch from cardboardtubes and balsa wood fins, but a towering, faithful and hopefully workingreplica of NASA's first man-rated orbital booster, the Mercury-Atlas.

It is herethat we, the audience, join Farmer as "The Astronaut Farmer" begins. We don'tknow how he built the rocket, though we learn it was at a great expense. And ifhis financial troubles aren't enough of a challenge, Farmer has just drawn theattention of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which doesn't quiteknow what to make of the ex-astronaut turned cattle rancher, but is adamantabout dashing any dreams of Farmer's rocket ever leaving the ground.

NewSpacevs. NASA vs. the nation

Farmer'splight could easily be interpreted as analogous to the NewSpace movement.Privately funded rocket developers seeking to launch private payloads and spacetourists know all too well the struggles presented by tightening budgets andpolitical regulation. It was only within the past several years that theindustry and government have come to agreements that allow forward movement onthe development of private space-bound rockets.

"Farmer's" FAA is far less forgiving, thoughthose in the industry may find familiarity with actor J.K. Simmons' portrayalof agency chief Jacobson.

A strongerparallel between the film and real life is far subtler.

Farmer'ssuccess or failure is based on his belief in a dream. As he passionatelydefends his flight plan, Farmer says, "If we don't have our dreams, wehave nothing."

Beyond anyof the justifications given for NASA's present and future programs is the hopeof a better future for humankind. Like Farmer, NASA faces the challenges ofengineering new designs based its prior successes, a shrinking budget and agovernment that seems pre-occupied with deconstructing the past rather thanexploring the future.

Farmer'sfamily, who dreams with and for him, is not unlike NASA's workforce and itssupporters. They understand the dream, even if those around them -- Farmer'sneighbors and the media who flock to his ranch -- do not.

"Somewherealong the line, we stopped believing that we can do anything," saysFarmer. So, could be argued, has the nation, if not the world. We went to the Moon in 1969 because we didn't know wecouldn't do so. Today, politicians and the public are too quick to assume thatif a dream seems impossible, then it likely is.

Whetherfilmmakers Michael and Mark Polish had NewSpace or NASA in mind while craftingtheir story is unknown, though there are hints for the latter. The use of theiconic Atlasrocket and Mercury silver spacesuit elicits the glory of NASA's past,nearly 50 years ago. If "The Astronaut Farmer" were a NewSpace parable, onewould expect a rocket design that derives little from government influence.

Said MarkPolish in Warner Brothers' production notes, "The story was sparked by ourinterest in space exploration, but beyond that, it's about a need to dream ofadventures, whether it's Neil Armstrong or Lewis and Clark. I think that, as asociety, we've stopped dreaming about exploration."

Thedream is alive

Even if youignore the potential metaphors presented by the film, it is difficult whilewatching "The Astronaut Farmer" to not start dreaming alongside Farmer and hisfamily.

With its inspirationalcinematography, which transforms the southwestern desert into as foreign andyet, at the same time, familiar setting as the lunar surface, the film'sgreatest strength is its strong cast of characters -- characters with whomanyone who has dreamt of achieving the impossible can relate. Thornton andMadsen deliver in their roles, as does the two young girls who play theincurably sweet Farmer daughters.

"TheAstronaut Farmer" is an engaging fantasy that draws upon the American spiritfor exploration: a spirit that was once strong within the nation's support forNASA and could be again, today.

Enter to winan official "The Astronaut Farmer"movieposter and Mercury-Atlas memorabilia in collectSPACE and Warner Bros. Pictures'contest. (Contestentry deadline: 11:59 p.m. CST Friday, February 23.)

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