The film you are to watch for this class is Hidden Figures. This film is about the black women computers of
NASA in the 1950s and 1960s. There is a copy on reserve in each of our LRCs. It has to be watched in the
LRC so remember to bring your earphones. Also, this film should be available through YouTube, Google Play
Movies, Vudu, and local libraries, possibly on demand services. Other streaming sources may have it.
We will watch part of the film, The Right Stuff, in class. This film explores the early space program and the
astronauts who where part of the program. Hidden Figures is a much more recent film about the the early
years of our space program. However, instead of focusing on the well known astronauts, this film focuses on a
little know group of women of color who were crucial to those same fights and the overall program. You will
research the historical accuracy of Hidden Figures. You may also compare and contrast the accuracy of both
films.
After viewing the film you will be expected to write a 300-500 word academic (use MLA format) critique
evaluating the historical accuracy of the film. This critique should be based on the following questions (do your
research to find the answers):
- What seems to be accurate in the film? What sources are you using to assess accuracy (make sure you
properly cite your sources)? - What liberties does the film take with the past? Why?
- Is the film primarily entertainment, or is it really trying to work within the historical time period? How can you
determine film maker's intention? - What, if any, current-day point is the film trying to make?
The best essays will need a paragraph to explain each of these. As always, you must have an introductory and
concluding paragraph. Include a works cited page for your sources. Remember you must have citations for
your sources (you must have sources) in your text where you use material from the source. Try googling "film
critique of The Help" or "historical accuracy of The Help."