Gagarin: First in Space
Short description
This historical drama explores the early era of space exploration, focusing on the life and experiences of Yuri Gagarin. The story follows Gagarin from his childhood through his rigorous preparation for flight, highlighting the intense competition among a small group of elite pilots selected from thousands of candidates. It portrays the tension between the Soviet Union and the United States as they raced to develop missile technology and achieve the first human orbit. The plot centers on Gagarin's 108-minute journey into space on April 12, 1961, and the uncertainty surrounding his survival and return to Earth.
Directed by Pavel Parkhomenko and produced by Kremlin Films, the movie features Yaroslav Zhalnin in the title role. The supporting cast includes Mikhail Filippov as Sergey Korolev, Vladimir Steklov as Nikolai Kamanin, and Olga Ivanova as Valentina Ivanova. The production was made with a budget of 7 million USD. In terms of audience reception, the film holds a rating of 6.5/10 on IMDb based on 3,800 votes and a rating of 6.3/10 on TMDB from 154 votes.
What's left behind the scenes
- The film's duration is 108 minutes – the exact length of Yuri Gagarin's first flight.
- A full-scale cosmodrome set with a rocket was built near Yevpatoria.
- Several scenes from the film were shot by renowned Russian cinematographer Vadim Yusov ("Andrei Rublev", "I Walk Through Moscow", "Solaris", "They Fought for the Motherland").
- Yaroslav Zhalnin was 27 years old during the filming. Yuri Gagarin was the same age when he flew into space.
- The rocket and cosmodrome elements were digitally enhanced by the visual effects studio "Algous" (Saint Petersburg).
- The film is the first biographical movie about Yuri Gagarin to receive the consent of the cosmonaut's family.
- Vladimir Steklov, who played the role of General Nikolai Kamanin, was the only member of the cast to have experience with real space training. His flight was planned for the year 2000 to film a feature film aboard the Mir station. However, due to financial problems, the actor's flight did not take place.
- The role of Andrian Nikolaev was the last for actor Anatoly Otradnov, who died in January 2012.
- Filming took place in Crimea (scenes set at the Baikonur Cosmodrome), the Tver region, and Moscow.
- Filming began on September 1, 2009.
- The scenes of the rocket launch were developed by the visual effects studio "Snail" (Moscow).
Auditions in India
Casting calls in USA
Castingi w Polsce
Кастинги в Україні
