‘Sally’ Review: A Refreshingly Clear-Eyed Documentary Weaves Together the Professional and Personal Lives of NASA Pioneer Sally Ride

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Upon Sally Ride’s passing in 2012, her historical achievement as the initial American woman in space was celebrated, yet a deeper narrative emerged. Her obituaries revealed a hidden aspect of her life, that she had been in a long-term relationship with Tam O’Shaughnessy for 27 years, a fact that remained secret until then. However, many of these same obituaries overlooked or downplayed the shocking sexism Ride encountered when she joined NASA’s first astronaut class to include women in 1978.

In the comprehensive film titled “Sally“, director Cristina Costantini delves into both the personal and professional facets of astronaut Sally Ride’s life. By utilizing O’Shaughnessy as the principal storyteller, the documentary presents captivating interviews with family members, ex-astronauts, and archival footage of Ride herself. The result is a thought-provoking, culturally significant portrayal of an American icon and the society that shaped her.

Additionally, the documentary stands out by showcasing an unusual authenticity given its extensive access: At no point does it attempt to diminish Ride’s significance, yet it candidly portrays her occasionally brusque demeanor.

Even though Sally has been awarded the Alfred P. Sloan prize for her science-themed film before its premiere at the Sundance Film Festival, it doesn’t focus on space travel intricacies. (Previously, Costantini won the Festival Favorite Award in 2018 for Science Fair, which he co-directed with Darren Foster.) The movie primarily highlights the persistent condescension faced by Ride and her five female NASA classmates, using an abundance of period video footage as evidence.

Constanitni’s clever selection of clips illuminates the societal norms of the era, exposing its ingrained sexism and homophobia. As Ride points out, “The most challenging instances during our training were encounters with the media.” Kathy Sullivan, a fellow trainee like Ride, recounts how the media posed stereotypical questions about love, makeup, and family to these pioneering female astronauts.

In the press conference, Ride showed no tolerance for frivolous queries. Seated next to fellow astronauts, she was questioned about becoming the first space mom. She merely shook her head and chuckled. From off-screen, a female reporter inquired, “Do you believe that you’re just as capable as any of these male astronauts?” On camera, when addressed as Miss Ride, she stated that either Dr. Ride or Sally would be acceptable, but not “Miss.” Backstage at NASA, there was confusion regarding what hygiene items to include for a female astronaut. As Ride humorously noted, the engineers had designed a makeup kit. They also asked her about tampon requirements for a week-long flight: Was 100 an adequate number?

As a fan looking back, I can understand why John Fabian perceived Sally (Sally Ride) as being all business and somewhat unemotional. In 1981, during Sally’s training program, Billie Jean King was embroiled in a lawsuit by a former lover seeking financial support. This event had a profound impact on Sally, serving as a warning of the potential professional consequences she might face if she were open about her sexuality. This helps explain both her professional demeanor and her decision to keep her personal life private.

As a gamer, I’ve learned to keep my emotions tucked away in private, much like the legendary Sally Ride. Yet, O’Shaughnessy’s words about her are filled with endless affection. However, even she admits that some of the very traits that made Ride a trailblazer – her strength and resilience – also made it challenging to forge a deep relationship.

Whether I was alone on a set, chatting to the camera, or in my house reminiscing over letters and gifts from Sally, O’Shaughnessy remains a constant, comforting presence. Her love for Ride is unwavering, but it’s tempered with a quiet wisdom as she shares her heartache at Ride’s decision to keep their relationship private. It’s this lasting affection that gives the film its raw, emotional punch.

In some of Costantini’s more illuminating conversations, he speaks with individuals who were particularly close to Ride. For instance, O’Shaughnessy and Bear Ride share insights into the structured upbringing Sally experienced within her family. During these interviews, Sally’s mother is questioned about her awareness of Sally’s relationship with Tam. She confirms that she was aware, but it wasn’t a topic they openly discussed. Bear Ride mentions that Tam was accepted as part of their family, yet Sally never disclosed their partnership publicly. Even though Bear herself is openly gay, Sally rarely spoke about the relationship, despite this.

In her relationship with her former husband Steve Hawley, another astronaut from her class, Sullivan maintained secrecy. They got married during training and according to him, they entered the marriage in good faith. He stated that he only had suspicions about her sexuality until she left five years later, at which point he admitted he was unaware she was gay. Upon hearing about their wedding, Sullivan’s initial thought was it was a clever public relations move.

It wasn’t until Ride was battling pancreatic cancer that she felt comfortable revealing in public that O’Shaughnessy was her partner. According to O’Shaughnessy, they discussed how to address their relationship, with Ride entrusting the decision to her. Consequently, O’Shaughnessy wrote an obituary that acknowledged their partnership.

It’s unfortunate that the movie is filled with visual reenactments, which often disrupt the flow. For instance, when O’Shaughnessy mentions an intimate dinner, we instead see two women dining in a candlelit kitchen. Towards the end, there’s even a character who looks like Sally lying in a hospital bed. None of these scenes contain dialogue, but they are nonetheless intrusive and seemingly unessential.

As a dedicated gamer, I proudly stand among the pantheon of influential figures, a testament to the intricate tapestry of human nature – ambition, complexity, and a touch of mystery woven into my very core.

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2025-01-30 01:55