Hidden Figures Sparknotes

Hidden Figures tells the previously untold story of three remarkable women who played a part in winning the space race, while simultaneously fighting their own battles with the immense racism and sexism that constantly attempts to hold them back. Hidden Figures blends the true historical story of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughn, and Mary Jackson, while also delivering an exciting and emotional movie about three strong women rising above their circumstances. It’s the early 60s, the US and USSR are locked in the Cold War. The Space Race is in full swing, and American citizens are terrified of what the Russians might be planning. This is the historical backdrop for the stories of Katherine, Dorothy, and Mary. “Through sheer tenacity, force of
Morgot grew up in Virginia very close to the real Langley Research Center. Her father even worked there as a climate scientist. As she grew older she became more interested in the computers who had worked at Langley, and began researching their lives. In an interview, Margot said, “These women were both ordinary and they were extraordinary.” (3) She eventually compiled her findings into a book, focusing on Katherine, Mary and Dorothy. “Called the West Computers, after the area to which they were relegated, they helped blaze a trail for mathematicians and engineers of all races and genders to follow.” (3) The big difference between the book Hidden Figures, and the movie Hidden Figures, is that the book does not take the creative liberties that the movie
It won multiple awards, had amazing box office sales, and got a high score from film critics, getting 93% on the popular film critic website, “Rotten Tomatoes”. One reviewer of the movie summarized their opinion by saying, “They’re phenomenal at what they do, but they’re also generous with their time, their energy, and their patience in a way that feels humane, not saintly. By refracting the overlooked lives and accomplishments of Johnson, Vaughan, and Jackson through this lens, Hidden Figures manages to be more than an inspiring history lesson with wonderful performances.” (9) While many reviews echo these sentiments, talking about how it was an inspiring, and a very important film, there were still a few negative reviews. One such review stated that, “The film takes the stories of three of these women and gives them the Hollywood treatment. It tries to be a feel-good movie about a historical period in which black people were often brutally denied their civil rights. Disappointingly, the film hides the details that are most meaningful and instructive as we face an era of renewed international turmoil, misguided technological utopianism, and resurgent racism.”