Ep 9. Hidden Figures

HBO's First Look is back with its 25th season, and for its ninth episode, it takes us behind the scenes of the highly anticipated movie, Hidden Figures.

Hidden Figures is an adaptation of Margot Lee Shetterly's non-fiction book by the same name. The movie is directed by Theodore Melfi and stars Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, and Janelle Monae in the lead roles. The film tells the story of three African-American women – Katherine Johnson, Mary Jackson, and Dorothy Vaughan – who worked at NASA and played a crucial role in the United States space program. The women were employed as "human computers," responsible for performing calculations by hand, and they played a key role in the launch of astronaut John Glenn into orbit.

In the episode, we get an exclusive look at the making of Hidden Figures and hear from the cast and crew about the challenges of bringing this inspiring story to the big screen. The director, Theodore Melfi, talks about his initial reluctance to take on the project, given that he had never made a period piece before. However, he was drawn to the story's themes of perseverance and overcoming adversity.

The cast members also share their thoughts on the real-life women they portray. Taraji P. Henson, who plays Katherine Johnson, says that she was immediately struck by Johnson's intelligence and her grit in the face of discrimination. Octavia Spencer, who plays Dorothy Vaughan, talks about how much she admires Vaughan's determination to learn and grow, despite limited opportunities. Janelle Monae, who plays Mary Jackson, says that Jackson's story is a testament to the fact that women, especially women of color, can and do make significant contributions to history.

In addition to the interviews with the cast and crew, we also get a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the movie. We see the elaborate sets and costumes, as well as the impressive visual effects used to recreate the 1960s era. The episode also touches on the music in the film, which was composed by Hans Zimmer and Pharrell Williams. The filmmakers explain how the music was designed to capture the uplifting spirit of the story while also paying homage to the musical styles of the time period.

One of the themes that runs through the episode is the importance of telling stories that have been erased from history. The women of Hidden Figures were real people who made real contributions to the country's space program, yet their stories were largely unknown until Margot Lee Shetterly's book was published. Director Theodore Melfi talks about the responsibility he felt in bringing this story to life and making sure that the women's legacies are not forgotten.

Ultimately, HBO's First Look episode on Hidden Figures is a fascinating look into the making of a movie that is sure to inspire audiences. The episode highlights the impressive cast and crew behind the film and provides insight into the challenges they faced in telling this important story. Hidden Figures is a must-see movie, and this episode of First Look is a must-see for anyone interested in the behind-the-scenes workings of Hollywood.