Blockbuster stars Ben Affleck and Martin Scorsese’s latest films were no reason to celebrate after these movies were released over the holiday weekend. Rather, audiences gathered to watch the new film, ‘Hidden Figures,’ about three black women who worked as mathematicians at NASA.
‘Live by Night’ by Affleck raked in approximately $5.4 million while Scorsese’s ‘Silence’ earned an estimated $1.9 million. On the other hand, ‘Hidden Figures’ soared to the top of the box office for the second time during their second weekend. Inspired by a true story, the Theodore Melfi-helmed picture brought in over $25 million during the holiday weekend after already earning almost $23 million on its first box office weekend.
The overwhelming success of ‘Hidden Figures’ can be associated with discussions over the need for racial diversity and equity in gender pay to be widely evident in Hollywood. The film’s stars are speaking out as they shed light on the positive outcomes of movies that revolve around black women.
“I have been told my entire career ‘Black women can’t open films domestically or internationally.’ Well anything is possible,” actress Taraji P. Henson posted on Instagram. “Most importantly this proves that PEOPLE LIKE GOOD MATERIAL. HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH GENDER OR RACE. Agreed?!”
The story of ‘Hidden Figures’ revolves around three African-American women who carried out exceptional work at NASA; the trio is comprised of Katherine Johnson (Henson), Dorothy Vaughan (Octavia Spencer) and Mary Jackson (Janelle Monáe). Through their work, one of the most remarkable missions in history was made possible- the launching of astronaut John Glenn (Glen Powell) into space.
When it comes to budget, ‘Hidden Figures’ cost roughly $25 million to create — a modest amount compared to the $40 million that Scorsese’s ‘Silence’ cost as well as the $65 million total attached to Affleck’s ‘Live by Night.’
‘Hidden Figures’ also raked in positive reviews and made a name in the awards season. Actress Octavia Spencer and musician Pharrell Williams both received nominations for the Golden Globes.
