Directed by Philip Kaufman | USA | 193 mins
Critical acclaim does not always protect filmmakers from the harsh realities of money in the movie business. Unlike the last two films covered in the Movies that Broke Hollywood series, The Right Stuff came out to near universal praise. The film is an exhilarating look at the Mercury Seven, a group of almost mythical astronauts. These men would go on to be some of the first men to travel to space. Kaufman delivers a stunning ode to American exceptionalism that is not afraid to keep reminding audiences that the country has a long way to go still. Sam Shepard gives one of his finest on-screen performances, supported by strong runs from Scott Glenn, Ed Harris and more in the ensemble. To say that the flight scenes are gripping would be an understatement.
The film has gone on to inspire some of the largest blockbusters over the last forty years, with its influence felt as recently as Top Gun: Maverick, and Interstellar. The Right Stuff was nominated for eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Supporting Actor for Sam Shepard. Four wins later, the film had cemented itself as one of the iconic pieces of 1983. Despite all of the success, the film floundered during its release. On a budget of $27 million dollars, the final box office return was $21 million. This meant that the film’s production company, The Ladd Company, was forced out of business. Interestingly, The Right Stuff was not initially developed by The Ladd Company. Development began in 1980 at United Artists, but after the failure of Heaven’s Gate, United Artists was forced to put the film in
turnaround.
Kaufman’s initial theatrical release has remained untouched, but The Right Stuff’s story has still been re-examined over time. The film was based off a 1979 novel of the same name, and has since inspired a documentary and a television series covering the same Mercury Seven.Audiences now have multiple entry points into an iconic American legend, which enriches the text.
Written by Kyle Hodge
Part of our Movies That Broke Hollywood Series.
In the spirit of respect, reciprocity and truth, we honour and acknowledge that this screening takes place on Moh’kinsstis and the traditional Treaty 7 territory, as well as the oral practices of the Blackfoot confederacy: Siksika, Kainai, Piikani as well as the Îyâxe Nakoda and Tsuut’ina nations. We acknowledge that this territory is home to the Otipemisiwak Métis Government of the Métis Nation within Alberta District 6. Finally, we acknowledge all Nations, Indigenous and non, who live, work and play, as well as help steward this land, honour and celebrate this territory.