Film Analysis

 Hidden Figures ( 2016 )

Hidden Figures is a powerful film directed by Theodore Melfi. It is based on the true story of three African American women Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson who worked at NASA during the 1960s. The film shows their important roles in sending the first American astronaut to space. It also focuses on gender, race, and inequality, and how the women overcome those barriers.

Gender Characteristics

The film shows how women, especially Black women, were treated unfairly at work. In the 1960s, women were not seen as leaders or important thinkers. Men were usually the engineers, scientists, and managers. Women were often given small jobs and expected to be quiet. In Hidden Figures, this is shown very clearly.

Katherine, Dorothy, and Mary were very smart and skilled, but their talents were not recognized at first. People called them “computers,” not scientists. They had to fight to be heard. For example, Katherine is the only woman in a room full of white male engineers. They ignore her at first, but she proves she can do the complex math just as well or better than them.

The film also shows how women had to work harder than men to prove themselves. Katherine had to run far just to use the “colored” bathroom because she was not allowed to use the one near her office. This is a strong example of both gender and racial injustice.

The way the women dress also shows gender expectations. They wear neat dresses, high heels, and are always polite. This shows that in the 1960s, women were expected to look and act a certain way even while doing difficult scientific work.

 Main Characters

Katherine Johnson is quiet but very intelligent. She is good at math and proves her skills by solving very hard equations. At first, her male coworkers do not believe in her. But as time goes on, her hard work and honesty help her gain respect. She becomes a key part of John Glenn’s space mission. Katherine represents the power of intelligence, calm strength, and patience.

Dorothy Vaughan is strong and wise. She does not have the title of supervisor, but she acts like one. She teaches herself how to use the new IBM computer, and then teaches the other women. She fights for her team to get promoted. Dorothy represents leadership, teamwork, and self-respect.

Mary Jackson is bold and determined. She wants to be an engineer, but the rules say she can’t go to the school that gives the degree. So she goes to court and wins the right to study. Mary is brave and speaks up for what is right. She represents courage, ambition, and justice.

These three women are different in personality, but they all face the same problems. They are treated differently because they are women and because they are Black. But they support each other and stay strong.

Themes

The film’s main themes are gender discrimination, racial inequality, hard work, and breaking barriers. It shows that even when society tries to stop people, courage and intelligence can help them succeed.

Another theme is sisterhood and support. Katherine, Dorothy, and Mary help each other and celebrate each other’s success. Their friendship gives them strength.

The film also shows how change can happen slowly. At first, no one believes in the women. But their skills and effort finally open people’s eyes. It reminds the audience that change needs bravery, time, and action.

Film Techniques

The film uses costumes, lighting, and camera angles to show the differences between men and women, and between Black and white characters. For example, Katherine is often shown alone in a big office with white men. The camera shows her in the center, highlighting her loneliness and courage.

Music also plays an important role. The songs give emotion and power to key scenes, like when Dorothy walks with pride after fixing the IBM computer.

The film uses realistic sets to show the 1960s old cars, offices, and clothing. This helps the viewer feel the time period and understand how difficult life was for Black women then.

Hidden Figures is a beautiful and inspiring film. It shows how three brave women broke rules and changed history. The film helps us understand how gender roles, race, and power worked in the past and how people can fight against them. It tells a true story of strength, friendship, and intelligence. Most of all, it teaches us to never give up, no matter how hard things are.