The Space Race

About The Space Race

"The Space Race" (released in 2024), directed by visionary John Reynolds, dramatizes a pivotal moment in history of international space travel. Glossing over the well-known parts of American and Russian rivalry to control the Space, it focuses closely on the untold story of determination, struggle and hope - the journey of the first African-American astronaut, David Abernathy. As the movie unfolds, we see the rising wave of Civil Rights movement sweeping across the United States. Amidst these demanding times, David Abernathy's life takes a dramatic turn when he is chosen by NASA for a top-secret mission - to put the first black man into space. Although faced with prejudice and exclusion, Abernathy does not back down. He gives it all he has, teaching an important lesson about perseverance and bravery.

Making / Production

Making "The Space Race" was a challenge in itself. The production sought to infuse technical sophistication of the space age while representing the tectonic shifts in society during the Civil Rights Movement. Director John Reynolds sought to imbibe authenticity to the movie by using original blueprints of the spacecraft and training materials from the 1960s.

Actors

• Leonardo DiCaprio as David Abernathy: DiCaprio delivers a gut-wrenching performance as the protagonist, bringing to life Abernathy's pain, joy and indomitable spirit.
• Viola Davis as Carolyn Abernathy: Davis played Abernathy's wife and his pillar of strength and she gives a moving representation of a woman written into the pages of history.
• Tom Hanks as Dr. John Baker: Hanks plays the role the NASA’s head scientist and mentor to Abernathy, epitomizing a voice of reason and humanism in the cold scientific world.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The movie is based on the autobiography 'Black Star' written by David Abernathy himself.
• The film was shot at the Johnson Space Centre in Houston to maintain authenticity.
• Leonardo DiCaprio spent days training with astronauts to prepare for his role in the movie.

Awards

"The Space Race" won several awards including the 'Best Drama Film' and 'Best Actor' for DiCaprio at the Academy Awards.

Quotes

• "Gravity may hold me down, but it cannot hold my dream" - David Abernathy.
• "In space, everyone is just a human being" - Dr. John Baker.

Music, Soundtrack

• Spaceman: A haunting melody that encapsulates Abernathy's dreams and aspirations.
• Weightless: A symphony used in the scene of the liftoff.
• Home: Score that plays during Abernathy's teary-eyed look at Earth from space.