The movie Hidden Figures is set in a decade filled with sexism and racial discrimination towards African-American women. The composer explores the idea of Overcoming Adversity by contrasting the inner life of three women to the harshness of their contextual surroundings. Although rampantly facing criticism and defiances, they overcame the many adversities in the way, thus making history in America for years to come.
The composer manifests that as a social minority, intelligence and knowledge establishes a higher social position, and can be used to overcome discrimination. The movie starts out with an encounter of a white policeman and three African-American women heading to NASA for work. This scene portrays the potential police brutality, using techniques such as low angle shots of the police officer looking down at the protagonists to give off the impression that he was in authority, and had the white privilege. After he realises their position at NASA, the tense atmosphere becomes lighthearted with upbeat music and wide shots as the policeman changes attitude.
The repetition of how Katherine Johnson ran half a mile to the 'coloured bathroom' just to relieve herself before Mr Harrison finally knocked down the sign, strengthens how the composer explores overcoming adversity. This is exhibited as Ruth quotes “Sorry, I have no idea where YOUR bathroom is,” in an accusing tone. The non-diegetic music 'I'm so sick and tired of running' is a direct message from the composer to show how discriminatory this scene was. When Mr Harrison finally knocks down the sign , there is dramatic music symbolising the barrier of racial discrimination was one step closer to breaking, yet another adversity was overcome.
A sentimental moment is shared by the whole of America as Colonel Glenn lands safely on board Friendship 7, this scene depicting an adversity everyone in the film— and nation faced. The composer explores this when several wide shots are shown of all different races celebrating, for once putting aside their differences and celebrating as a whole. When Mr Harrison asks Katherine whether they would make it to the moon, she replies with a confident “We're already there sir.” With different angles, shots and music the composer is yet again able to explore the idea of overcoming adversity.
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