Neil Armstrong's sons defend 'First Man' from critics calling it "anti-American" for not including flag planting scene
'First Man,' the upcoming American biographical drama film by Oscar-winning director Damien Chazelle on the 1969 moon landing, has been oddly criticized by some conservative politicians and commentators as 'anti-American.' The film had its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival on August 29, in the aftermath of which some quarters have taken an issue to the fact that it did not depict Neil Armstrong's iconic flag-planting scene.
Others took offense to lead actor Ryan Gosling's comments on the same after the airing. Asked why the scene was omitted, the 37-year-old had said he does not think that the astronaut "viewed himself as an American hero" and that his accomplishments "transcend countries and borders." He added that they wanted the film to "reflect Neil."