Having watched this film I wish I’d paid more attention at school, for this is definitely the time of the genius and deservedly so; progressing humanity in vast directions and sometimes into space. But unfortunately not all geniuses get the attention they deserve and are instead shoved into the shadows and away from the spotlight. Thankfully however, a few of these “Hidden Figures” such as Katherine G. Johnson (Taraji P. Henson), Dorothy Vaughan (Octavia Spencer), and Mary Jackson (Janelle Monáe) are given the long-overdue attention they deserved in this dramatic and based on true-events film. Revealing in its too short a length of 127 mins – for it would certainly work as a TV series – not only the complications of ‘firsts’ such as launching a man into orbit or being able to go to a school of your choice. But also the period’s backdrop of adversity; from the clear racism of 1960s America, with segregation still being very much in place, but also in the continuing gender discrimination faced by the women. Confronted on a daily basis by such prejudices, these ladies are fighting to be the leading women they are; bringing about momentous moments in history and not just in NASA.
Hidden Figures presents an interesting contrast in America’s idea of moving forward with its advancements in technology, as opposed to being very much behind in its few of race and gender; with Katherine having to run half a mile to find a ‘coloured women’s bathroom’ to use. Her later speech on the subject and the treatment by those around her (though short in length) is highly effective in putting shame to all of those involved, while Mary’s later speech is even more moving. Each of the three women have at least one powerful moment of change – leaving your feet to tap to their marching beat, especially as Dorothy strides ahead, taking her team with her to fresh opportunities. They’re not to be undermined, their strength, perseverance and humour being naturally inspirational to the audience – unlike the over-use of “motivating” mottos seen today. Their presence is screen-grabbing, you root for them, but they’re not damsels needing rescuing they’ll do that themselves.
It certainly doesn’t hurt that the soundtrack’s up-beat tempo adds to the feel-good steps of triumph. Not to mention they’re super-catchy and have important lines that mirror the times shown, especially Pharrell’s Runnin’; I don’t want no free ride, I’m just sick and tired of runnin’. Each part of the film being cleverly thought out and coming together to provide a movie of substance. And in creating more rounded figures of history, the film follows not just their success and struggles at work, but also moments of their everyday life; the battle for equality and rights; the fear of the USSR; to the starting’s of romance. The love interest in the film certainly providing some of the funnier lines, but it’s a filler and never takes away from the main story.
An enjoyable connection to the film, and probably a reason for the accurate perspective of NASA’s workings and its history, is that writer Allison Schroeder interned at NASA as a teenager, while her grandparents had worked there as well. This, teamed with the biographical book Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly, means that the film is well-researched in its setting of the times, and in the difficulties and achievements faced by the three main characters.
A great script, a good director and a fabulously powerful moment in history is made even stronger by the talented actors involved. Taraji P. Henson is almost untouchable in her versatility, conveying the heart of Katherine Johnson, along with her passion, talent and strength. Octavia Spencer has often played a women not to be downtrodden by those around her – as always she’s bloody brilliant in this role – and you warm to Dorothy instantly, feeling the power she emanates with that polite, but icy smile that says it all. In Hidden Figures there isn’t a scene that was wasted, but I would have happily watched more of Janelle Monáe’s; Mary Jackson – her home life, her persistence to fight and her humour, making her one of the most intriguing characters.
Outside of the main three, Jim Parsons was great in epitomising the pre-judgemental colleagues that Katherine worked with, while Kevin Costner who plays NASA’s top boss (based on a collection of NASA’s previous directors) never dominates the screen – knowing Katherine’s voice is supposed to be louder, and in this their characters bounce off each other with brilliance. While the romance Katherine’s character has with Colonel Jim Johnson (played by Mahershala Ali) seems touchingly real; creating a man who was strong in himself, whilst being vulnerable and open-hearted. To round off the film Kirsten Dunst is deliciously detestable as Vivian Mitchell; a controlling women whose racism is matched by her jealousy.
Hidden figures is a captivating film that gives far more than just the high-spangled banner of America’s success in space, but shows the unsung heroes who made it happen, the heightened fear of the Cold War and the intense pressure to be the first to succeed. Along with a message about not dividing and judging people by their differences, but to instead celebrate them for their achievements.
Director & Writer: Theodore Melfi
Other notable works:
- Vincent 2014
Writer: Allison Schroeder
Other notable works:
- Christopher Robin 2018
Based on the non-fiction book Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly.
