During the early 1960s, several African-American women worked for NASA, providing the mathematical data needed to launch the nation's first successful space mission. But every day—in a myriad of ways—their integrity and perseverance were challenged by the hostile racism and inherent sexism of the period. Graduating from college summa cum laude at the age of 18, Katherine Johnson (Taraji P. Henson) was perhaps the most brilliant mathematician of her time. When the Space Task Group's manager (Kevin Costner) finally admitted Katherine into the elite rocket scientists' inner sanctum, she calculated trajectories for John Glenn's Earth orbit in 1962 and subsequent missions. But she suffered numerous humiliations, including not being allowed to use the bathroom facilities in the building in which she worked, and being assigned an often-empty “colored coffee” thermos. Even Katherine's admiring husband-to-be (Mahershala Ali) could not comprehend her aptitude for analytical geometry. Her colleagues (Octavia Spencer, Janelle Monáe) were condescendingly referred to as “colored computers” and paid considerably lower wages. Based on Margot Lee Shetterly's 2016 nonfiction book, this multi-Oscar-nominated film (including Best Picture) directed by Theodore Melfi is highly recommended. Editor's Choice. [Note: Blu-ray extras include audio commentary by director Theodore Melfi and star Taraji P. Henson, “making-of” featurettes (42 min.), deleted scenes (11 min.), a “Filming in Georgia” location segment (5 min.), and a gallery. Bottom line: a solid extras package for this Best Picture nominated true story.] (S. Granger)
This title is included in our article on teaching historical and current events using film