To Be Colored and Be A Mathematician, Reelive

Katherine Johnson
Katherine Johnson

I’m not the ‘girl’ anymore. I’m a mathematician.

Dorothy Vaughan
Dorothy Vaughan

You’re not just a girl, Katherine. You’re a mathematician and they can’t take that from you.

Katherine Johnson
Katherine Johnson

I just want to be treated like anyone else.

The Color of the Bathroom, Reelive

Katherine Johnson
Katherine Johnson

We all happen to be colored.

Al Harrison
Al Harrison

What's your point?

Katherine Johnson
Katherine Johnson

I have to walk half a mile to go to the bathroom, the only bathroom I’m allowed to use.

Al Harrison
Al Harrison

That’s unacceptable. This is the bathroom. You use it.

Katherine Johnson
Katherine Johnson

Thank you.

It's About Time, Reelive

Katherine Johnson
Katherine Johnson

I have a job to do, and it's not just to get you to the moon.

Paul Stafford
Paul Stafford

We know you’re good at your job, Katherine.

Katherine Johnson
Katherine Johnson

Then let me do it. Just let me do my work.

The Power of Inclusion, Reelive

Dorothy Vaughan
Dorothy Vaughan

We need to stand together.

Katherine Johnson
Katherine Johnson

If we don't help each other, who will?

Mary Jackson
Mary Jackson

When one of us rises, we all rise.

Katherine Johnson
Katherine Johnson

That's exactly it.

Defying the Odds, Reelive

Al Harrison
Al Harrison

You don't have to justify your place here.

Katherine Johnson
Katherine Johnson

But they don't want to see me as part of the team.

Al Harrison
Al Harrison

Forget about them. Show them what you can do.

Paving the Way, Reelive

Mary Jackson
Mary Jackson

I want to be an engineer.

Judge
Judge

You can't attend that school.

Mary Jackson
Mary Jackson

Why not? I can handle the work.

Judge
Judge

Because you're black.

Mary Jackson
Mary Jackson

And that shouldn't matter.

Crossing Barriers, Reelive

Katherine Johnson
Katherine Johnson

I don't want to be known as the black girl.

Al Harrison
Al Harrison

And you won't be. You'll be Katherine Johnson.

Katherine Johnson
Katherine Johnson

Let me prove myself first.

Calculating Success, Reelive

Katherine Johnson
Katherine Johnson

I need the numbers to do my job.

Paul Stafford
Paul Stafford

You can take your time.

Katherine Johnson
Katherine Johnson

Time is exactly what we don’t have.

Shared Hardships, Reelive

Dorothy Vaughan
Dorothy Vaughan

How do we make them take us seriously?

Mary Jackson
Mary Jackson

We keep proving them wrong.

Dorothy Vaughan
Dorothy Vaughan

Together.

The Moonshot, Reelive

Katherine Johnson
Katherine Johnson

The launch window is closing.

Al Harrison
Al Harrison

What do we need to do?

Katherine Johnson
Katherine Johnson

Follow my calculations, and we will make it.

A Time to Celebrate, Reelive

Katherine Johnson
Katherine Johnson

We've made history, and we did it together.

Al Harrison
Al Harrison

You did this, Katherine.

Mary Jackson
Mary Jackson

We all did it. As a team.

Equality and Respect, Reelive

Dorothy Vaughan
Dorothy Vaughan

Each of us will make our stand.

Katherine Johnson
Katherine Johnson

We don’t have to fight alone.

Mary Jackson
Mary Jackson

United, we’re stronger.

Claiming Their Space, Reelive

Katherine Johnson
Katherine Johnson

I can make a difference in this team.

Dorothy Vaughan
Dorothy Vaughan

We all can.

Mary Jackson
Mary Jackson

And we deserve to be here.

Believing in Ourselves, Reelive

Katherine Johnson
Katherine Johnson

I believe in us.

Dorothy Vaughan
Dorothy Vaughan

We are capable.

Mary Jackson
Mary Jackson

And we will succeed.

Breaking Boundaries, Reelive

Katherine Johnson
Katherine Johnson

I won’t be sidelined.

Al Harrison
Al Harrison

Your voice matters.

Katherine Johnson
Katherine Johnson

It’s time I make it count.

The Value of Trust, Reelive

Al Harrison
Al Harrison

I trust your instincts.

Katherine Johnson
Katherine Johnson

That means everything to me.

Al Harrison
Al Harrison

Let’s make this happen.

Leading by Example, Reelive

Katherine Johnson
Katherine Johnson

Leadership is about setting the example.

Mary Jackson
Mary Jackson

And standing for what’s right.

Dorothy Vaughan
Dorothy Vaughan

Together, we lead.

Home at Last, Reelive

Katherine Johnson
Katherine Johnson

We changed the world.

Dorothy Vaughan
Dorothy Vaughan

And our daughters will carry that forward.

Mary Jackson
Mary Jackson

We did this together.

Redefining the Future, Reelive

Katherine Johnson
Katherine Johnson

This is just the beginning.

Dorothy Vaughan
Dorothy Vaughan

We’ve opened doors.

Mary Jackson
Mary Jackson

And we won’t close them.

Katherine Johnson

Here at NASA, we all look pretty much the same. But we don't all think the same. I can't tell you what it's like to be a black woman in this country. But I can tell you what it's like to be me.

Katherine Johnson

Hidden Figures, Reelive
Katherine Johnson

I am not going to be a part of the future that doesn’t include my people.

Katherine Johnson

Hidden Figures, Reelive
Dorothy Vaughan

To be an artist, you must be true to yourself. You're not an artist unless you create what you believe.

Dorothy Vaughan

Hidden Figures, Reelive
Katherine Johnson

I don’t have time for this. I have to go to the bathroom.

Katherine Johnson

Hidden Figures, Reelive
Mary Jackson

Every time we have a math problem, you solve it. I don’t get what you’re afraid of.

Mary Jackson

Hidden Figures, Reelive
Dorothy Vaughan

You are not in this alone. You are supported by a whole team of women.

Dorothy Vaughan

Hidden Figures, Reelive
Katherine Johnson

We all make mistakes, but we don’t all pay for them the same way.

Katherine Johnson

Hidden Figures, Reelive
Katherine Johnson

I'm just as human as you, and I deserve to be treated that way!

Katherine Johnson

Hidden Figures, Reelive
Mary Jackson

You have to be a little bit crazy to be a mathematician.

Mary Jackson

Hidden Figures, Reelive
Dorothy Vaughan

The only way to get where you want to go is to do the things you need to do to get there.

Dorothy Vaughan

Hidden Figures, Reelive
Katherine Johnson

I don't want to go to the bathroom. I want to go to the launch.

Katherine Johnson

Hidden Figures, Reelive
Katherine Johnson

Sometimes, you have to stand up and make people see you.

Katherine Johnson

Hidden Figures, Reelive
Dorothy Vaughan

We are all here to do the same job, and that job is to get to the moon.

Dorothy Vaughan

Hidden Figures, Reelive
Mary Jackson

You can't be afraid of what people are going to say. You have to be brave.

Mary Jackson

Hidden Figures, Reelive
Dorothy Vaughan

Success is in our grasp if we just claim it.

Dorothy Vaughan

Hidden Figures, Reelive
Mary Jackson

I want to go to court, and I want to be an engineer.

Mary Jackson

Hidden Figures, Reelive
Katherine Johnson

You know, people said I couldn't have this job because I'm a black woman. But watch me!

Katherine Johnson

Hidden Figures, Reelive
Katherine Johnson

We've got to find more than just a way. We have to find a way that works.

Katherine Johnson

Hidden Figures, Reelive
Dorothy Vaughan

The future is calling, and it's going to take all of us to answer it.

Dorothy Vaughan

Hidden Figures, Reelive
Mary Jackson

You're never going to get anywhere if you don’t step outside your comfort zone.

Mary Jackson

Hidden Figures, Reelive
Dorothy Vaughan

Sometimes you have to create your own opportunities.

Dorothy Vaughan

Hidden Figures, Reelive
Katherine Johnson

You can't just wait for someone to lift you up. You have to lift yourself up.

Katherine Johnson

Hidden Figures, Reelive

Happy

Happy by Pharrell Williams, Played during various upbeat scenes showcasing the characters' achievements.

I See a Victory

I See a Victory by Kirk Franklin, Played during the closing credits to highlight the success of the protagonists.

Soolaimon

Soolaimon by Harry Belafonte, Used in a scene reflecting on perseverance and hope.


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Katherine's Job at NASA

Katherine Goble Johnson, played by Taraji P. Henson, walks into the NASA building, where there’s a stark divide between white and black employees. As the only black woman in a room full of engineers, Katherine struggles to navigate the hostile work environment. The moment she’s assigned to the all-male team without a proper place to sit highlights the systemic racism and sexism she faces. It’s a critical turning point as she decides to brave the discrimination and prove her worth. This sets in motion her journey as a vital mathematician in the space race.

Context: This moment introduces Katherine’s character and the significant challenges she faces at NASA, establishing the film's theme of overcoming barriers.

The Bathroom Incident

Katherine is desperate to take a break and uses the bathroom but finds that the nearest one for black women is a long distance away, leading to her using a 'colored' bathroom. When confronted by her supervisor, she breaks down, explaining how dehumanizing it is to have to run just to relieve herself. This raw truth highlights the emotional struggle she endures daily. The moment becomes a wake-up call for her boss, Al Harrison, who tears down the 'Colored' sign on the restroom.

Context: This pivotal scene reveals the harsh realities of segregation, emphasizing Katherine’s courage while also showcasing the changing attitudes of her peers.

Katherine's Calculation Breakthrough

During an intense meeting about the upcoming launch, Katherine steps up, presenting her calculations that will determine the trajectory of John Glenn’s orbital flight. Her confidence shines as she explains the complexities of her work. The room is silent as the male engineers realize her brilliance and the enormity of her contribution. This moment signifies her acceptance and respect among her peers.

Context: The scene encapsulates her journey from a marginalized worker to a pivotal team member, tracking her growth and impact.

Dorothy's Promotion

Dorothy Vaughan, portrayed by Octavia Spencer, fights for recognition by teaching herself the computer program, Fortran. After landing a promotion, she gathers her fellow black female coworkers, motivating them and leading them into the new digital era. Her acknowledgment as the first black supervisor at NASA transforms her status and empowers others.

Context: This moment underscores the theme of leadership and self-advocacy, showcasing the power of knowledge and solidarity.

Mary's Struggles at the University

Mary Jackson, played by Janelle Monáe, faces a daunting challenge when she applies to attend an all-white engineering program. The scene resonates with tension as she faces resistance, yet she stands her ground, passionately arguing that she deserves an education on par with her peers. This defiance marks a moment of personal courage.

Context: Mary’s determination reveals the systemic barriers in education, reinforcing the film’s exploration of race and gender inequality.

The Friendship Bond

Katherine, Dorothy, and Mary share heartwarming moments as they reveal fears and hopes over coffee breaks. Their friendship blossoms, showcasing their support for each other amidst adversity. This creates a tight-knit sisterhood, and the laughter they share amidst hardships punctuates the scene with warmth.

Context: Their bond highlights the importance of female friendship and empowerment, serving as a backbone throughout their journeys.

John Glenn's Launch

As John Glenn prepares for his historic launch, the tension builds around the mission control center. Katherine's calculations are pivotal, and the urgency is palpable. When Glenn takes off, everyone holds their breath, symbolizing the culmination of years of hard work. The sheer excitement and fear turn into jubilation when he successfully completes the mission.

Context: This marks a significant achievement not just for NASA but for Katherine and her colleagues, symbolizing triumph over adversity.

Family Support

Katherine's husband, James, supports her through her struggles. One moment, he sits her down, assuring her that she is not alone and urging her to embrace her accomplishments. The emotional connection illuminates the importance of familial support in her journey, reinforcing her resilience.

Context: This scene delves into Katherine’s personal life, emphasizing that behind every success, there’s a support system.

A Heartfelt Apology

Al Harrison finally acknowledges his ignorance by apologizing to Katherine for not understanding her struggles. It's a genuine moment of growth, and she accepts it with grace. This marks a turning point for him, showing his commitment to change and allyship.

Context: The exchange highlights the transformative impact of understanding and empathy in breaking down racial barriers.

The Celebration Party

After the successful mission, NASA throws a party to celebrate the team’s achievements. Katherine, Dorothy, and Mary even join the dancers, laughing and relishing the moment. This joyous celebration is a culmination of all their struggles and hard work coming to fruition.

Context: This scene signifies unity and triumph, portraying the importance of celebrating victories, big or small.

Katherine's Recognition

Katherine receives a formal recognition during a NASA meeting, where her contributions are highlighted, and she’s honored by her peers. The room erupts in applause, symbolizing not just her personal victory but also a recognition of the contributions of black women in STEM.

Context: This acknowledgment solidifies her place in NASA's history and serves as a source of inspiration for future generations.

Mary's Court Victory

After fighting for her right to attend the engineering program, Mary is finally accepted. In a moment filled with triumph, she stands tall in court, asserting her right to pursue her dreams, surrounded by her family and friends who cheer her on.

Context: This moment encapsulates the struggle for equality in education and gender representation, symbolizing hope and progress.

Dorothy's Innovation

When Dorothy teaches her colleagues how to use the IBM computer, it’s a moment of pride. She not only learns the system but also proves that her knowledge is invaluable. The team’s initial skepticism transforms into respect, as they realize her potential.

Context: This scene highlights the importance of adaptability and innovation in the workplace while reinforcing Dorothy's leadership.

Katherine's Closing Monologue

In the conclusion, Katherine reflects on her journey, explaining how her work has opened doors for many, and how every step she took was worth it, despite the challenges. The camera pans over her colleagues and family as she speaks, showcasing the impact of her journey on others.

Context: This monologue ties the narrative together, enhancing the themes of resilience and empowerment.

Mary's Workplace Triumph

Mary confronts her boss, demanding the promotion and position she deserves. Her assertiveness shifts the dynamics in the room, and she leaves with a newfound sense of power. This showcases her ability to advocate for herself.

Context: This pivotal moment represents a step towards equality and empowerment for women in male-dominated fields.

Katherine's First Meeting

In her first meeting with the engineering team, Katherine holds her head high despite the discomfort. As she starts speaking, the skepticism in the room transforms into attention. This marks her first step toward earning respect.

Context: This scene lays the foundation for her journey at NASA, emphasizing her determination and resilience.

Dorothy's Math Skills

In a critical meeting, Dorothy calculates complex equations in front of her peers, surprising them with her skills. The astonishment on their faces is palpable, marking the moment she breaks the stereotype.

Context: This moment underscores not just her intelligence but also the potential of black women in scientific fields, crashing through stereotypes.

The Power of Persistence

Katherine, after facing numerous rejections, applies for a promotion. The tense moment culminates when she finally receives the news of being considered. This showcases her perseverance and determination.

Context: This scene exemplifies resilience against odds, reinforcing the theme of not giving up despite hardship.

Teamwork and Trust

The team collaborates on a complex problem, and their trust in Katherine enhances her confidence. Watching them acknowledge her input marks a final shift in group dynamics.

Context: This pivotal moment emphasizes how trust and collaboration can lead to success, aligning with overarching themes of teamwork.

Historic Award Ceremony

Katherine, Dorothy, and Mary are honored at a ceremony for their groundbreaking contributions to NASA. The moment is filled with pride, as they receive applause from esteemed guests, solidifying their legacy at NASA.

Context: This ceremony symbolizes recognition and respect for black women's contributions to history, capturing the essence of the film.

Celebrating Their Friendships

The three women share a moment of reflection, recalling their journey. The laughter and joy they feel highlight their enduring friendship, a poignant reminder that together, they’ve overcome so much.

Context: This personal reflection emphasizes the importance of friendship and solidarity, making it a powerful moment in the story.

The Pivotal Collaboration

Katherine collaborates with her colleagues on a technical problem; her confidence shines as they work together seamlessly. The focus on her contributions solidifies her role in the team.

Context: This collaboration reflects how team dynamics shift as respect grows, highlighting the film's emphasis on cooperation.

A Letter of Acceptance

Mary receives her acceptance letter to the engineering program, and the burst of emotions is visible on her face. She sits down with her family, who erupt in joyous celebration, marking a personal victory.

Context: This represents personal growth and the theme of striving for personal goals against societal barriers.

An Inspiring Speech

At a pivotal moment, Al Harrison gives a speech vowing to support his team, emphasizing that their work is just beginning and they will not rest until they succeed. This moment is charged with hope and determination.

Context: Harrison's speech not only sets the tone for the team but also serves as a mission statement for equality and perseverance.


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Casting of Taraji P. Henson as Katherine Johnson

Taraji P. Henson was initially hesitant to take on the role of Katherine Johnson due to concerns over the historical accuracy and the pressure of portraying a real-life figure.

Why it matters: Her ultimate decision to accept the role led to a powerful performance that greatly enhanced the film’s emotional depth and authenticity, leading audiences to connect more intimately with Katherine's struggles and triumphs.

NASA's involvement

NASA provided access to several historical documents, photos, and even some of the original mathematicians’ family members were involved in the production.

Why it matters: This collaboration lent an air of authenticity to the film, allowing the creators to accurately represent the era and the complexities of the space race, making the struggles of the characters feel palpable and real for the audience.

Kirsten Dunst's role expansion

Kirsten Dunst’s character, Vivian Mitchell, was initially meant to be a minor role but was expanded due to her dynamic on-screen chemistry with the main cast.

Why it matters: This expansion offered a richer narrative perspective on the societal norms of the time and added layers to the challenges the main characters faced, making it a more compelling story.

Janelle Monáe's transformation

Janelle Monáe, playing Mary Jackson, underwent a significant transformation to portray a woman determined to fight for her rights in a segregated workplace.

Why it matters: Her portrayal resonated strongly with modern audiences, showcasing not only Jackson's professional aspirations but also the personal struggles of women, particularly women of color, in STEM fields.

Cinematography choices

The cinematographer, Mandy Walker, employed soft lighting techniques to create a warm, inviting atmosphere that contrasted with the harsh realities faced by the characters.

Why it matters: This artistic choice enhanced the emotional weight of the film, helping to balance the uplifting moments with the heavy historical context, making the viewer more invested in the characters' journeys.

Kevin Costner's improv scene

Kevin Costner improvised the line 'Here at NASA, we all pee the same color.' during a pivotal scene, which was not in the original script.

Why it matters: This spontaneous moment added a level of humor and relatability to the character, showcasing Costner's ability to bring a humanizing touch to the serious subject matter of racial segregation.

The use of historical footage

The film uses actual footage from the 1962 NASA launches to provide historical context and authenticity to the dramatic moments.

Why it matters: This integration of real events with scripted performances enriches the viewer's experience, making the historical portrayal feel more immediate and impactful.

Octavia Spencer's production involvement

Octavia Spencer was not only an actress in the film but also became a producer, contributing to the authenticity of the project.

Why it matters: Her production insights helped ensure that the story was told respectfully and accurately, empowering the narrative from an insider's perspective.

The significance of the coffee pot scene

The film’s coffee pot scene, where the characters face segregation in their workplace, was carefully crafted to highlight the harsh realities of the era.

Why it matters: This scene served as a powerful commentary on racial injustice, allowing the audience to grasp the obstacles faced by the main characters and deepening the film's overall impact.

Costume design reflecting character arcs

Costume designer Renee Ehrlich Kalfus carefully crafted each character's wardrobe to reflect their journey and social status throughout the film.

Why it matters: These visual cues helped audiences understand character development at a glance, enhancing the overall storytelling without the need for excessive exposition.

Katherine Johnson’s real-life impact

The filmmakers incorporated Katherine Johnson's actual calculations into the script, showcasing her real-life contributions to NASA’s missions.

Why it matters: This factual inclusion highlights the importance of Johnson's work, giving the narrative historical weight and inspiring viewers with the genuine achievements of women in aviation and space.

The film's emotional score

Pharrell Williams and Hans Zimmer collaborated on the score for the film, blending genres to create a soundscape that enhanced the emotional resonance of key scenes.

Why it matters: The music elevated pivotal moments, amplifying the film’s emotional power and influencing audience engagement with the characters' struggles and successes.

Real-life reunion

At the film’s premiere, the surviving women portrayed in the movie were invited to meet the cast, marking a significant moment of recognition and legacy.

Why it matters: This reunion not only solidified the authenticity of the film but also celebrated the ongoing contributions of women in STEM, bridging the gap between past and present.

Technology portrayal

The film's use of period-accurate technology was meticulously researched to accurately portray the computing methods used at NASA in the 1960s.

Why it matters: This attention to detail created a credible backdrop for the story, making it easier for the audience to immerse themselves in the narrative and appreciate the computational challenges faced.

Filming at NASA locations

Some scenes were filmed at NASA's Langley Research Center, giving filmmakers access to authentic locations.

Why it matters: This authenticity lent the film a richer, more credible atmosphere, deepening the viewer’s connection to the historical events being depicted.

Presence of real NASA scientists

Several real NASA scientists served as advisers on the film to ensure factual accuracy and helped guide the portrayal of the technical aspects.

Why it matters: Their input ensured that the film not only entertained but also educated viewers about the significant roles women played in the success of early space missions.

The real-life inspiration for dialogue

The dialogue in the movie was inspired by actual conversations and experiences shared by the four women it is based on, several of whom consulted during the scriptwriting process.

Why it matters: This authenticity added depth to the character interactions and made the emotional moments feel more genuine, resonating with audiences who might have encountered similar struggles.

Historical inaccuracies

While the film is based on true events, some events and characters were adjusted or dramatized for narrative coherence.

Why it matters: This artistic license sparked discussions about historical representation in cinema, prompting viewers to explore the real stories behind the film.

Connection to contemporary issues

The film’s themes of racial and gender inequality resonated strongly with contemporary audiences, resulting in discussions about the current state of diversity in STEM fields.

Why it matters: This relevance extended the film's impact beyond entertainment, encouraging social discourse and awareness regarding diversity and inclusion.

Behind-the-scenes workshops

The cast participated in workshops to better understand the mathematical concepts and historical context of their characters' work.

Why it matters: These preparations enriched their performances, ensuring the audience could appreciate the intellectual gravity of the women’s contributions without feeling alienated by the technical jargon.

Box office success and nominations

Despite being an independent film, 'Hidden Figures' performed exceptionally well at the box office and received numerous Academy Award nominations.

Why it matters: Its success highlighted the market potential for stories centered on underrepresented groups, encouraging more filmmakers to pursue diverse narratives in mainstream cinema.

Inspirational marketing campaign

The marketing campaign emphasized empowerment and representation, specifically targeting audiences who resonate with themes of perseverance and triumph over adversity.

Why it matters: This strategic choice helped the film reach broader audiences, turning it into not just a movie but a cultural movement that championed female empowerment.


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I, Daniel Blake