Hidden Figures: Exposes Greatness

Hidden+Figures%3A+Exposes+Greatness

 

    In the 1960s no one thought three beautiful black women would send a man into space. Director, Theodore Melfi had a lot on his plate when telling the stories of hence to force Katherine G. Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson. Many people did not know who they were and why they were important. Yet, these women did extraordinary work for NASA and served for the launch of the famous astronaut John Glenn. This trio beat all defined gender and racial norms. They set a path to inspire not just African Americans but all women.

     The film begins with actress Taraji P. Henson playing Katherine Johnson, a brilliant mathematician since she was a young girl. The struggles all three women faced while working at NASA are highlighted but with Ms. Johnson’s calculations ultimately determining where the Explorer 1 would launch and land her experiences were portrayed in the most depth. The support from Ms. Vaughan, Ms. Jackson, her children, husband, and family all enabled Ms. Jackson to come up with the numbers no one else in her field could.

     Released on December 25th, 2016 it didn’t take long for viewers and critics to rave about the film. In fact it was nominated for numerous awards such as the Academy Awards: Best Motion Picture of the Year, Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role (Octavia Spencer), Best Adapted Screenplay, Golden Globes: Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture (Octavia Spencer) and Best Original Score-Motion Picture and various other awards. But the biggest shocker of all was that the film did not win Best Picture, Actress in a Supporting Role nor Writing (Adapted Screenplay) at the Oscars. Instead, “Moonlight” won Best Picture, Viola Davis won best supporting actress for her role in Fences and Moonlight for Adapted Screenplay. While it was surprising, ratings and screenings continued to flourish at the box offices, earning around 20.5 million dollars. Besides being an amazing film, Hidden Figures told the stories of the great work done by Katherine G. Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson!