Theodore Melfi's film "Hidden Figures" takes place in the 1960s, a time when lots of significant things were happening; it was a pivotal era in United States history marked by the Civil Rights Movement and the Space Race. In the 1960s, racial segregation and gender discrimination were very common in American society. "Hidden Figures" shows the institutionalized racism and sexism faced by the three main characters, Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson, as they navigate the predominantly white and male environment of NASA. They were all African American women who were exceptionally good at mathematics. Even though they faced unfair treatment because of their race and gender, it wasn't just at work; it was everywhere. In society …show more content…
At the same time, the world was in a tense situation; the Cold War was taking place. The United States and Russia were competing to see who could send a person to space first. Against the backdrop of the Cold War and the Space Race between the United States and the Soviet Union, NASA's mission to launch a man into space was not only a scientific project but also a matter of national pride for their country and geographical and political competition. If the Soviet Union did something first, it would make the United States look bad. The pressure was high, and everyone wanted to be the first. The film highlights the significance of the space program as a symbol of American excellence and technological advancement during this politically charged era. In "Hidden Figures," we see how all of this affected the lives of Katherine, Dorothy, and Mary. They were part of something big, something that would go down in history books. But instead of being celebrated, they had to fight for recognition. The movie helps us understand the challenges for women of color in this field, not just because of their race or gender, but because of the time they lived in. The movie "Hidden Figures" shows how important the work of Johnson, Vaughan, and Jackson was, even though it's often forgotten. It makes us rethink what we know about history, especially about how women and African Americans were
MOVIE REVIEW Introduction Hidden Figure(2016) based on the untold true story directed by Theodore Melfi a movie that is pack with historical drama that succeeds at being as inspirational and adrenaline-filled where each character, scene and jokes firing on all cylinders to make a film worth repeated viewings. Summary It is in the early 1960's when United State was competing with Russia to become the first country to send man to circle the earth orbit for the first time in history. The story begin with Katherine Johnson (Taraji P. Henson), Dorothy Vaughn(Octavia Spencer) and Mary Jackson(Janelle Monàe) are three African American mathematicians that work at the West Area Computers division at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Mary Wollstonecraft describes it best as being “deeply frustrated by the revolutionaries’ neglect of women’s rights” (Osborne, 2001). Watching Hidden Figures, I found myself deeply frustrated by the neglect of women, and African-American, rights. The movie depicts the wide-spread socially accepted practice of treating women and people of color as being less than humans. The movie starts out in Hampton, Virginia in 1961. At this is a time in history Martin Luther King Jr. is on the rise, and peaceful boycotting begins.
Unveiling the Hidden Figures: A Critique of Historical Accuracy in the Film Directed by Theodore Melfi, "Hidden Figures" brings to light the underrepresented story of African American female mathematicians who played crucial roles at NASA during the pivotal moments of the Space Race in the 1950s and 1960s. While the film has been celebrated for spotlighting these unsung heroes, a detailed critique of its historical accuracy and its narrative decisions reveals both its strengths and the areas where it simplifies complex realities. The film convincingly portrays the racial and gender discrimination that African American women faced at NASA during the era of segregation. Supported by primary sources such as interviews and archival materials reviewed
Set in the States in the early 60’s, the race between the US and Russia to be the first to reach space had never been more grueling. While in the many meeting rooms at NASA, men struggled with the numbers, three black women who deserved to be the ones at the forefront of the mission simply coexisted as shadows at the basement as ‘human computers’ just to compute numbers. When Katherine Goble finally gets an opportunity to join the big league, where ideas are floated and decisions are made, she realizes she is the only colored person to have ever been selected. The movie shows her struggle to survive and thrive among all the challenges she had to face for being colored. The other two protagonists, Dorothy Vaughan, who fears becoming obsolete
Theodore Melfi's film "Hidden Figures" contains an important scene that emanates light on the insidious prevalence of racism. The scene, which I will deconstruct, is a strong platform through which Melfi uses several film methods to powerfully depict the cruelty of racism. Using a wide view, medium close-up, dialogue, and facial expression. Melfi portrays the widespread harm caused by racism by effectively using various film approaches. Melfi correctly illustrates the harm of discrimination and prejudice, leading audiences to delve deeper into the consequences of such racism.
To be Courageous The film Hidden Figures is about African American women who helped NASA win the space race. Even with all the unfair treatment that they received because of their color and gender. This led to many limitations and much unneeded tension between everyone. This is very clearly expressed in the film Hidden Figures, showing the clear line that is drawn between men and women. In the film, it is shown how women are treated much differently than men.
Then and there she has a slight pause and we can assume she questions herself, “Do I belong here? or have I made the right decision?” The males in the room all stare at her as she goes to her new desk, creating pressure for her. This is very stereotypical because when the men see her walk in, they immediately assume she doesn’t actually belong there and she must be the custodian because she’s a woman and she’s African American. Cultural Struggles & Beliefs Of African Americans Culture reflects the way a community exists based on shared beliefs, symbolized values, and various traditions. The film, “Hidden Figures” emphasizes the hopeless struggles of African American women employed at NASA during the 1960’s.
The movie Hidden figures is based on a true story of three opinionated Negro women and their onerous journey towards success. Together they did everything in their power to fight against discrimination and prove that women are just as capable as men. The trio played an essential role in the launch of the astronaut John glenn into space, as well as orchestrating his return and landing. The movie showcases what can be done in the face of adversity, and what can happen the walls of discrimination and sexism are knocked down.
The purpose of Hidden Figures was to open the public’s eyes to real contributions made by people unrecognized to society because of discrimination, a fact that was shown through the untold story line. The movie’s setting is very realistic with strong segregation in schools, at water fountains, and the workplace. On the streets, a protest breaks out that surprisingly, African American men and women did not want a part of because they preferred to stay distant from the trouble and potential violence. Similarly, a run in with a policeman depicts the stereotypes of both sides being put into action as does a library scene in which Dorothy Vaughan could not legally get the material she needed because of the segregated literature sections. Painting
The plot of Hidden figures is three young black women struggling for respect in a business full of white men at the NASA Space Program. The movie Hidden Figures takes place in the 1960’s in Washington D.C. The main characters in the movie include: Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughn,
movie. Truly the plot fascinates the audience; entertaining while educating for it’s just over two-hour runtime. Hidden Figures tells about three African American mathematicians working for NASA and how they contributed to the space race. Solving complex mathematical problems ultimately paled to the handling a rational of prejudice. Transported to the early 60’s where racism and segregation are extremely prevalent. The nature with which Hidden Figures unfolds was superb, the plot begins slowly but it heats up quickly. The award winning acting in this film allows the characters to come to life; the cast proved a perfect formation. Other elements that have proven crucial in making this film a masterpiece are the soundtrack and the costume design. Allowing the audience to experience the 60s with all of its complexity.
Adapted from the book by Margot Lee Shetterly and directed by Theodore Melfi, Hidden Figures is a film based on the true stories of three black women (Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, & Katherine Johnson) working for NASA in 1960’s. Dorothy Vaughan, played by Octavia Spencer in the film, was a programmer and Mary Jackson, played by Janelle Monae in the film, was an engineer. Dorothy passed away in 2008 and Mary in 2005. Katherine Johnson, a mathematician played by Taraji P. Henson, is now 98 years old and still resides with her husband Corporal Jim Johnson in Hampton, Virginia where the film is set. These women collectively played a pivotal role in sending the first American into space and eventually to the moon. A critical analysis of the film reveals the history and dynamics of racial domination institutionally and interpersonally as well as prejudices and challenges faced by women in particular.
Hidden Figures is a 2016 film that recounts the story of three incredible black women in NASA history: Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson. The film largely sheds light on the experiences of these three women working as computers for NASA during 1960s segregated America. Public restrooms are separated between the whites and coloreds, the white male patriarchy dominates the field, and as always, racism is alive and well. During the film, the political unrest of the country is present and very much of conversation, and as these three women navigate their way throughout society with positions no one expects them to hold, they quite literally make history through their groundbreaking work, history
Katherine Johnson proved to be an intelligent and an intrepid character. She was proud to be negro and was quiet, yet when provoked, she stood up for herself and expressed her thoughts. These attributed were showcased many times throughout the film Hidden Figures. As the main character, she fulfilled that role and had a hard-working mentality. Such as staying behind at work and working overtime. Her extensive knowledge of mathematics proved that dark-skinned women are worthy of going to college and working in a society where all people are treated equally.
Hidden Figures is a movie that focused on three women and the space race. Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson played a main role in helping NASA with the space race. All three of them worked to help for John Glenn’s flight to orbit the earth. The behind the scenes that lead up to Mercury-Atlas 6’s blast off was acknowledged in the movie Hidden Figures. 1961 is when all of the major change that lead to today’s history started to happen inside of NASA.