The three women were mathematicians working in a segregated area of the NASA complex, and they lived a life of using ‘coloured’ bathrooms, and sitting on the ‘coloured’ side of buses and having ‘coloured’ coffee and tea pots, writes David Flynn.
These women Katherine Johnson, Mary Jackson and Dorothy Vaughn were called “computers,” by other NASA personnel, and they were segregated to work on figures for the space programme.
The life of these women is touching to watch, and the movie is told in a sentimental style, but it also shows the impossible and frustrations of these NASA employees.
‘Hidden Figures’ is told with humour and as the movie went on, it showed the ambition of these women, and also the awareness in them of being pioneers for their race.
Octavia Spencer is deservedly nominated for an Oscar for the role of Dorothy, yet it’s a huge surprise that Taraji P. Henson was not nominated for the substantial role of Katherine.
Kevin Costner plays a supporting role as NASA boss, Al Harrison, and brings personality and humanity to the part of the chief who helped to break down the borders of race. Kirsten Dunst plays the part of the women’s boss, Vivian Mitchell, and it’s pity she wasn’t given more to do in her role.
None of the supporting characters were overtly racist, but the movie portrayed many of them as being racist in a way in which they weren’t aware.
Also it’s fascinating to watch, on a different level, the early days of the space programme. The dramatic elements of John Glenn’s trip to orbit is shown in an action-packed way that can only be enjoyed.
It’s a very important movie to be seen, and it probably gives a message for today, fifty-six years later.
No comments:
Post a Comment