Hidden Figures
Plot
In 1961, three African American women Katherine Gobles (later Johnson), Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson – work at NASA and are the ‘human computers’ who help with the mathematics to get astronauts into space safely – and back to earth safely. There they must contend with the prejudices of the time – both racial and gender.
Direction
While primarily this is a dramatic piece, there is some scattered ‘space’ action thrown in, and these are done very well. I had not heard of Theodore Melfi before, so I will be on lookout for his films in the future.
Cast/Characters
The primary cast of Taraji P Henson, Octavia Spenser and Janell Monáe all give spectacular performances, and they each bring a poignant narrative arc to the movie. Henson as the lead protagonist Katherine.
Secondary cast members all do an equally impressive job. Kevin Costner as Katherine’s boss Al Harrison, Jim Parsons as one of his senior staffers Paul and Kirsten Dunst as a NASA executive Vivian Mitchell all do an amazing job.
Screenplay/Setting
As the setting is set in 1961, the prejudices that the ladies must contend with are represented effectively. The primary theme of racism is front and centre – as the three women are all black. Despite what they are subject to, I thought it was a little toned down from what I have seen in other films. Not having any ‘true’ knowledge of what may have occurred.
The trio each get their own individual story points – with Katherine’s primary story point being the ‘computer’ assisting the front line team doing the maths getting both the capsule and the pilots back to earth.
Dorothy’s arc dealt with her desire to be the floor supervisor for her team, and the confrontations of a lead NASA staffer Vivian Mitchell (played well by Kirsten Dunst).
Mary also has confrontations with Vivian – who ‘follows orders’ – her arc is wanting to become an engineer; but told she cannot without more education – and her fighting to become the first black woman to do so.
Another theme present was misogyny, especially after some of the racial prejudices seem to evaporate- Katherine especially experiences this, primarily by Paul.
Overall
From the setting of 1961 – including sets, hair and costumes, to the themes present, this was an exceptionally well made film. The real lives of Katherine, Dorothy and Mary are very well portrayed – and in researching them are even more incredible. Katherine Johnson only recently passed away at age 101, and Dorothy lived to 98!
4.5/5