Hidden Figures Analysis

The critically acclaimed 2016 film Hidden Figures follows the struggle and accomplishments of three bright-minded black women at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) during the great space race. Throughout the colorful narrative, we trace the victories and trials that these bright minds face as they work to overcome barriers in order to further their own success, as well as the collective success of NASA, or other colored women. After hitting the big screen, many viewers who went to see the film came away pleased and inspired, praising the film's showcasing of colored women, civil rights, inspiring role models, and counter-history. However, there were also many naysayers who had much to say about the film. In contrast to

Despite the criticism, Hidden Figures is a well-executed film which fulfills its purpose by focusing the struggles of three women who were integral to the space race during a time of racial prejudice. The not only showcases untold historical contributions, but also to uses the story of these three women to inspire and encourage others to overcome barriers and work to achieve success in a time where prejudices are still very much

The very beginning of Hidden Figures introduces us to Katherine Goble, the film's protagonist. Not only do these scenes give us background on Katherine, but they also assists in establishing context for what life was like for blacks during the mid 1900s in Virginia. We are shown how various racial barriers made life increasingly difficult and greatly limited their possibilities. As the scene pans, shifting from black and white to color, we transition from an age where these issues seemed to be set in stone, to a time where some progress is being made. This transition introduces us to Katherine's two friends, Mary and Dorothy, who will go on to form integral subplots which will support and contextualize Katherine's storyline. The trio are stranded because of their broken car. A white police officer accosts them, and the palpable tension alludes to the racial issues of the time. However, the scene ends with a light-hearted escort chase once the officer realizes that they are from NASA. This scene gives a rather trivial depiction of the detrimentally antagonistic race relationship in effect during those times that permeated their personal and professional lives. Before the dawn of the technological computing age, humans were hired to perform calculations and were given the title "computer". Though a computer herself, Dorothy does the work of