First Man: Neil Armstrong’s Sons Defend Chazelle’s Decision Not to Show Flag-Planti

Neil Armstrong’s sons and director Damien Chazelle have defended the lack of a flag-planting scene in the movie First Man, a chronicle of the 1969 moon landing.

Rick Armstrong and Mark Armstrong released a statement jointly with “First Man” author James R. Hansen on Friday in the wake of claims that the lack of the flag planting in the movie is unpatriotic.

“We do not feel this movie is anti-American in the slightest,” the trio said. “Quite the opposite. But don’t take our word for it. We’d encourage everyone to go see this remarkable film and see for themselves.”

“First Man” is directed by Chazelle from a script by Josh Singer, based on Hansen’s book “First Man: The Life of Neil A. Armstrong.”

The film stars Ryan Gosling as Neil Armstrong and focuses on the the years leading up to the Apollo 11 mission in 1969.

World premiering at the Venice Film Fest to great acclaim on opening night, Wednesday, August 29, First Man hits U.S. theaters October 12.