"HIDDEN FIGURES" STAYS RELEVANT
A REVIEW by Stella Nagle
Hidden Figures, made in 2016, remains one of the most inspiring films to date.
The film is about three Black women who contributed significantly to NASA's space program in the 1960s. The movie, directed by Theodore Melfi, highlights the lives of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson and the role they played in one of the most critical moments in American history: the launch of astronaut John Glenn into orbit.
One of the most vital aspects of Hidden Figures is its portrayal of the three central characters. The film does an excellent job of showcasing the intelligence and determination of Katherine, Dorothy, and Mary, while also presenting the challenges they faced as women of color in a male-dominated field. The actors, Taraji P. Henson, who played Katherine, Octavia Spencer, who played Dorothy, and Janelle Monáe, who played Mary, did a fantastic job bringing the characters to life, and their performances are both touching and inspiring.
Another critical aspect of this film is its depiction of the Civil Rights Movement. The film focuses on segregation and racism, as well as how these women could overcome obstacles in their professional and personal lives. Having the three lead women in the film based on real women only adds to the authenticity of the time and the story line.
Hidden Figures also does a great job in touching on the 1960's broader social and political activity, including the anti-war movement,the anti-segregation movement, and the fight for equal rights.
Hidden Figures is also notable for its attention to detail in capturing the look and feel of the time, including the fashion, architecture, and technology of the early 1960s. The film also includes several, more known, real-life people from the space program, including Glenn, played by Glen Powell, and director of NASA's Space Task Group Al Harrison, played by Kevin Costner.
One of the film's most decisive moments is the portrayal of Katherine's work on the calculations for John Glenn's orbital flight. Katherine is called into a room full of white men to verify the calculations, and the emotions are both tense and applauding, as this scene perfectly depicts some of her challenges as a woman of color in a field dominated by white men.
One of the few weaknesses of Hidden Figures is its portrayal of the men in the film. While the film does an excellent job of presenting the challenges faced by women, the men are often portrayed as one-dimensional people. This is especially true of Costner’s Harrison, who is described as a stern, no-nonsense boss, who initially goes as far as to refuse Katherine to use the restroom. While Harrison eventually comes around and becomes a crucial advocate for Katherine's work, the film does not do enough to develop his character.
Overall, Hidden Figures is a well-made and inspiring film that tells an important story about the role of women and people of color in American history. The film is well-acted and beautifully filmed. The features of the film are both inspiring and thought-provoking. The movie is an excellent reminder of the importance of diversity and inclusion in all areas of life. This film is evidence of the power humans have in overcoming significant obstacles. I highly recommend checking out Hidden Figures if you are a fan of historical dramas or biographical movies.