Math? It doesn’t sound like the most invigorating of cinematic subjects, but as “A Beautiful Mind” and “The Imitation Game” proved, it can be riveting. And here’s hoping that “Hidden Figures,” the upcoming film from director Theodore Melfi (“St. Vincent“), will also be equally compelling.
Starring Taraji P. Henson and Octavia Spencer, the film will shine a light on a fascinating slice of American history, telling the true story of a group of female African-American mathematicians who used their considerable talent to aid NASA during the crucial years of the Space Race. And at least in the offices of the space agency, that racial turmoil of the era didn’t affect getting the job done.
“NASA didn’t give a crap what gender you were or what race you were,” the director told USA Today. “If you could do the math, you were valuable.”
Co-starring Janelle Monáe, Kirsten Dunst, Jim Parsons, Mahershala Ali, Aldis Hodge, Glen Powell and Kevin Costner, “Hidden Figures” opens on January 13, 2017.
