Watch Hidden Figures, the movie, then address three of the ✓ Solved

Watch Hidden Figures, the movie, then address three of the following questions. Be sure to apply concepts studied in this week's reading and respond to at least one other student's original post. Points are insightful, objective, and supported by specific, relevant examples from the movie.

The film demonstrates careful viewing of the assigned movie, correctly applying multiple concepts studied. The post uses vocabulary and ideas from the reading, referencing specific pages (with in-text citation: the page number in parentheses). Provide specific examples from the movie to support your ideas.

Questions:

1. Consider the set designs. Consider the differences between the computational room for the African American female mathematicians and one for the white male engineers. How do they differ? Additionally, multiple scenes show Katherine racing to the segregated women's bathroom. What does each setting convey and contribute to the underlying theme of racial inequalities?
2. How do costumes, makeup, and hairstyles convey time and place to create authenticity? What is the significance of the pearl necklace? How does this object first convey meanings of racial differences but later acceptance?
3. Lighting plays an important role in mise-en-scene. Notice the differences in lighting, particularly in NASA offices and control rooms. Compare the lighting in the "Colored Computers" workspace and the workspace of the NASA Space Task Force.
4. Consider the rule of thirds as you review the opening scene that is included in the textbook. How does the composition of each of the three women in respect to the policeman reflect the personality of each character?
5. Approximately twenty minutes into the film, Katherine Johnson heads to the 'Colored' bathroom after she settles into her new position at the Space Task Force Office. Observe this scene and consider kinesis and figure movement. How does the director's consideration of kinesis and figure movement along with the choice of lighting and reflection help to convey the plot and characterization of Katherine?

Paper For Above Instructions

The film Hidden Figures, directed by Theodore Melfi and released in 2016, is a beautifully crafted story that highlights the significant contributions of three African American women—Katherine Johnson, Mary Jackson, and Dorothy Vaughan—within NASA during the height of the Space Race. The film explores themes of racial discrimination and gender inequality while showcasing the unique talents of these women. This paper will address three of the provided prompts, focusing on the set designs, costumes and hairstyles, and lighting choices that convey underlying themes of the film.

Set Designs and Racial Inequalities

The set designs in Hidden Figures are instrumental in illustrating the stark contrasts between the working environments of African American women and their white male counterparts. Notably, the computational room for the African American female mathematicians is cramped, isolating, and poorly lit compared to the spacious and well-designed workspace allocated to the white male engineers. This physical separation is a clear visual representation of the systemic racial discrimination that existed during this time. The cold, impersonal atmosphere of the ‘Colored Computers’ workspace serves not only to highlight the inequities but also to position the women as marginalized figures in a narrative primarily dominated by white male engineers.

Additionally, the film strikingly depicts Katherine Johnson's race against time to reach the segregated women's bathroom. The stark differences between this bathroom and the 'Whites Only' facility serve as a poignant reminder of the racial inequalities that permeated society. The 'Colored' bathroom is depicted as neglected and dirty, highlighting the underfunding and disregard for the needs of Black staff at NASA. Such visuals contribute significantly to the film’s exploration of the theme of racial inequalities, demonstrating how the characters navigate a world that consistently attempts to undermine their worth and contributions.

Costumes and Authenticity

Costumes, makeup, and hairstyles in Hidden Figures play a critical role in establishing the time and place while also conveying character significance. The film effectively uses these elements to ground viewers in the 1960s, enhancing authenticity. For example, the pearl necklace worn by Katherine Johnson carries deep symbolic resonance. Initially, it represents the societal expectations placed upon African American women—where pearls signify sophistication and social standing in the white community. However, as Katherine gains acceptance and recognition for her contributions at NASA, the necklace evolves into a symbol of her triumph over racial barriers, underscoring the progress she and her colleagues made within a prejudiced environment.

Mary Jackson’s high heels, which the director chooses to emphasize, serve as a dual symbol. On one hand, they embody femininity and ambition; on the other, they represent the barriers women face in a male-dominated field. The discomfort associated with the high heels alludes to the societal pressures women endure while striving to succeed in their professional lives. These choices in costuming contribute to the viewers' understanding of the characters' struggles, resilience, and individuality.

Lighting Choices and Emotional Atmosphere

Lighting is a vital element of mise-en-scene, impacting the film's emotional atmosphere and visual storytelling. Throughout Hidden Figures, the contrast in lighting between the African American women’s workplaces and the NASA facilities is palpable. In the ‘Colored Computers’ workspace, the lighting is dim and enclosed, conveying feelings of oppression and confinement. In contrast, the workspace of the NASA Space Task Force is brighter and more spacious, reflecting the privilege and freedom enjoyed by the white engineers at NASA. These lighting differences signify not only the social divide but also the unequal opportunities available to the two groups.