Review of Hidden Figures (2016) by Zoe R — 06 Dec 2018

Hidden Figures, a 2016 American historical drama film, depicts the inspiring untold true story of three African-American females working at NASA during the Space Race. The trio immensely contributed in launching astronaut John Glenn into orbit. The movie is loosely based on the non-fiction novel, Hidden Figures: The Story of the African-American Women Who Helped Win the Space Race by Margot Lee Shetterly. Although there are many informative moments throughout the movie, it deviates slightly from the actual historical events.

One of the essential characters in this story, Al Harrison (Kevin Costner), is not a real person. His role is based on Robert C. Gilruth, the head of the Space Task Group at the NASA Langley Research Center (Loff). In Hidden Figures, Al Harrison is not focused on the prevalence of racism in the United States during the 1960s - He, along with many others, is solely concentrated on getting a man into orbit (Krizanovich).

Along with this, one of the most memorable scenes of Hidden Figures occurred when the Al Harrison smashed down the Colored Ladies Room bathroom sign with a crowbar. This transpires after Katherine Johnson (Taraji P. Henson), "returns to her desk from a bathroom break, drenched after running for half an hour in the rain," (Thomas). Though this is a dramatic and substantial scene in Hidden Figures, this did not happen.

A similar misrepresentation occurs in Hidden Figures: The Story of the African-American Women Who Helped Win the Space Race. The novel states that Katherine Johnson "refused to so much as enter the Colored bathrooms," and she was never forced to, either. Dexter Thomas, a VICE news correspondent, interviewed Katherine Jackson herself, who stated: "I just went on in the white one.".

Although the movie portrays various delusive events, it comprises the reality of controversial topics such as racism and sexism, particularly during the '60s. It also discloses how individuals conquered these adversities. This movie would most likely appeal to adolescent viewers who enjoy historical dramas. Viewers who are not interested in aeronautics may not find this movie about space science engaging. Overall, Hidden Figures is a wonderful film about self-actualization and resilience.

Rating: 3.0/ 5.0.