Out of this World: Apollo 13

The number thirteen can be as lucky as you make it!

By Janelle Lee Austin

October 12, 2024

Ron Howard’s 1995 film Apollo 13, a historical drama based on true events, chronicles the journey of three astronauts who face life-threatening engineering failures in space. The astronauts rely on their ingenuity and the efforts of NASA engineers working around the clock, the film captures the race to bring them back home alive. It won Oscars for Best Sound and Best Film Editing, and after watching it, I can see why.

I’ve never been a big fan of space movies, and I couldn’t quite pinpoint why until I thought more deeply about it. I realized it might stem from witnessing the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster live on TV as a child. That memory, burned in my mind, still stands out: single-file to the library, the TV carted in, and the unforgettable sight of all the adults around me bursting into tears. So, despite Apollo 13’s critical acclaim, I’d never watched it—until now. What struck me most were the A-list cast, the depth of the family dynamics, the sound and score, and the authentic set design.

The ensemble cast, led by Tom Hanks as Jim Lovell, Bill Paxton as Fred Haise, and Kevin Bacon as Jack Swigert, brought the realism that a story like this requires. Their performances grounded the film, giving life to the real men they portrayed. On the other side of the radio, we have Ed Harris as Gene Kranz, whose cool-headed leadership under pressure is remarkable. His performance stands out as a tribute to the real Gene Kranz and how he led NASA’s efforts during this crisis.

For me, the most impactful moments weren’t just the nail-biting space scenes but the struggles happening on Earth—specifically with the families left behind. The portrayal of Marilyn Lovell, Jim’s wife (played by Kathleen Quinlan), was particularly moving. As she grappled with the fear of losing her husband, she also had to maintain her role as a mother and leader of her family. In the end, for the astronauts, the only thing that truly mattered wasn’t fame or glory but the people they might leave behind if they didn’t make it home.

The film’s sound design is another standout element, especially in the spacecraft scenes. The subtle background hum of the space capsule, the beeping of buttons and gadgets, and the crackling radio transmissions immerse you in the astronauts' world. The orchestral score heightens the tension, giving the film an unearthly, almost surreal feeling that perfectly complements the narrative.

Then there’s the set design. Filmed in 1995 but set in 1970, Apollo 13 nails the look and feel of the era. The hair, wardrobe, and overall production design bring the 1970s to life without drawing attention to themselves—because that’s what great set design does. It makes the world believable without standing out.

In the end, Apollo 13 truly deserves the acclaim it received. The film boasts a stellar cast, deeply emotional arcs, incredible sound, and masterful set design. The tension of waiting for the astronauts’ safe return to Earth felt real, with an entire nation holding its breath. When they finally made it back, the celebration wasn’t just an American moment—it was a triumph for the entire human race.

I highly recommend Apollo 13, even for those who don’t typically enjoy space films. It’s a powerful, inspiring story about an important moment in history, and it’s told with such heart and craftsmanship that it’s sure to resonate with any viewer.