Film of the Week: Hidden Figures

Based on the book of the same name, this American biographical drama tells the story of three female African American mathematicians who worked at NASA during the Space Race between America and Russia. The story takes place when segregation was still a major part of everyday life. As the story advances, we see them becoming a key part in the development of the rockets and the research needed before sending the first American man into space.

The film focuses on Katherine Johnson (Taraji P. Henson), who calculated flight trajectories of Project Mercury and others, including Apollo 11, the successful mission of landing on the moon. Octavia Spencer plays NASA Supervisor Dorothy Vaughan and Janelle Monáe who plays NASA Engineer Mary Jackson. Their work has inspired countless people and many honours have been made in their name. Although there are a few historical inaccuracies due to it being an adaptation, all the major points are covered correctly and professionally to tell the audience the story and to teach them of the past. Jim Parsons’ and Kirsten Dunst’s characters, Paul Stafford and Vivien Mitchell weren’t real people but instead a personification of how people acted towards the African American employees. There were a few moments I found rather shocking due to their bluntness, however accurate it may have been portrayed.

It is a powerful drama. All three mathematicians weren’t recognised for having incredible skills, despite how much they showed what they were capable of. Only when NASA was receiving all but correct answers did they start including them into other areas they weren’t originally permitted to go; in other words, didn’t have clearance to access the important information, despite them needing such to complete the work NASA was expecting them to complete. This contradiction was explained thoroughly with Katherine Johnson’s character, who had to run half a mile and back again just to use the toilet due to the building she was working in having no “coloured toilets”. This film also focused on the development of the supporting characters, most importantly Vivian and Paul.

Kevin Costner’s character, Al Harrison does recognise Katherine’s skills and the work she does, but is bound by the rules until she explains just exactly what’s wrong with the system and he personally knocks down the sign, allowing everyone to have use to the toilets in the building.

All the topics were handled with care and the finished film sets a perfect example to everyone. There was a lot of passion put into this project; it was certainly a story they wanted to tell to the world. The filmmakers arranged various charity screenings so everyone including those who were unable to make it to the cinema was also able to experience the film along with everyone else, an act that proves this film wasn’t made to make a profit, but instead just to tell a story that not many people knew. There are no hidden meanings that you need to watch the film several times to find, but all of them are on the surface for everyone to see, making the film easier to watch and understand without having to think too much and lose track of the story and walk away feeling more confused instead of moved, inspired, and empowered.

Thanks for reading

Antony Hudson

(TonyHadNouns)