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...about the 3 black women mathematicians who worked for NASA in the early 1960s.
It was very different and much more entertaining than I had expected.
I'd give it an A - highly recommended.
Follow Ups:
it was a bit smarmy in places, like the scene in the boardroom where Costner hands her the chalk in extreme close up, like god touching Christ. I think it gave the bigots in the movie a pass and like others have said I'm sure the desegregation of NASA was harder then portrayed in the movie. That story could be itself a movie. But what do you expect from Hollywood.
"Trying is the first step towards failure."
Homer Simpson
The other theme of the movie, beside the racial setting, was how people could be shot into space just as crude computers were coming on line. That whole episode was started without them. John Glenn took his shot only after receiving final verbal OK from Kathy Johnson (Taraji Henson). Ballsy times.
The racial setting must have been a difficult line to walk in this film. You know it had to be worse than shown, but it was not meant to be the sole theme. Costner as Al Harrison, the pit boss, was terrific in demonstrating that it was not all racial hatred; just endemic in the cultural times. Once it was stated that going to the john was a pain in the ass, he got pissed and ripped the sign down. I loved that part. People just accepted segregtion as daily routine.
Predictable because its history, but a great story. As a movie though, it was laid out a bit too cheerfully, for lack of a better word. The situation had to be tougher than shown. The drama was too light.
The Mercury 7 were Rock Stars. They survived WWII, Korea and being test pilots. They were our best and brightest. Every women wanted to screw them, every man wanted to be them, every child wanted to grow up just like them. Their job was to take risks because (it was thought that) our country's future depended on it. If our best and brightest didn't or couldn't, you could be damn sure a Russian pilot would. They trusted their skill and experience more than they trusted a computer. There is a telling scene in "The Right Stuff" where the astronauts demand a window and the ability to fly the capsule during a decent back to earth. The scene is based on actual events- the pilots did not trust the scientists and wanted the ability to override computer guidance if needed.
ALL of them wanted to be the first in space, and if being at the end of an unstable missile was the quickest path, then the line is already out the door, down the hall and around the corner.
Dieing in a spaceship, in pursuit of national glory was an altruistic act. You would receive a full military burial, your family would be taken care of. Dieing under similar circumstances now would lead to a high profile multi million $$ lawsuit and a congressional inquiry.
Expectations were different back then.
The supermen of the day versus technicians.
But also the program itself had different priorities. Then, it was almost cost no object, just do it. Today, costs and losses are a much bigger concern, as well as liabilities.
Still, I cannot envision slide rule rocket rides.
Handled deftly and that is why I enjoyed it so much. Olivia Spencer is one of the most natural and believable actresses around. She's real.
...so to speak.
No wonder you liked it.
Had an overwhelming sense that they were making a shiny bauble out of what was really a sad, dark tale.
I thought Taraji Henson was excellent.
Dean.
reelsmith's axiom: Its going to be used equipment when I sell it, so it may as well be used equipment when I buy it.
fair to middlin' acting. Octavia Spencer was good (has been better) but there were far better
performances in the category she won a statue for.
Everything was just too... polite and configured for a feel good film.
We were disappointed, would give it a C.
The three women the film was based on were amazing though.
"Once this was all Black Plasma and Imagination" -Michael McClure
...it was more like LA LA Land then the grittier Moonlight.
But still a good film.
Maybe 40 minutes in I was asking if it is a Ron Howard movie.Man, NO WAY will we watch LA LA Land.
Moonlight was poetic.
"Once this was all Black Plasma and Imagination"-Michael McClure
Edits: 05/06/17
nt
"Trying is the first step towards failure."
Homer Simpson
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