Hidden Figures - The Power of Subplots

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Hidden Figures is about three women, but it focuses mainly on Katherine Johnson’s story, so the other two women are given their own subplots. This video looks at the elements of subplot and how to design a subplot that supports the main plot.
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BOOKS IN THIS VIDEO
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“Story” by Robert McKee: amzn.to/2hPvVWY
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[@howchildish]

I just love how Janelle Monae went from a cool ass singer into a cool ass actress

[@katyushkass]

She’s a queen, what do you expect?

[@annarose932]

Just wanted to say that Janelle Monae is non-binary, so actor is probably best to be used for them

[@howchildish]

@@annarose932 To the best of my knowledge, Janelle Monae revealed that they identified as non-binary in a tweet last year. I wouldn't have known when I made the comment 3 years ago. But yes, actor would be correct now.

[@jonathancasais6491]

@@howchildish absolutely respectful clapback I love it haha

[@hyperhappihippie]

why am i crying at the analysis of a film i cried at in the cinema...

[@patrickblasco434]

Same, I cried from the start to the end of this vid

[@TommyDarker]

The last scene with he coffee cup almost got me in tears.

[@lucapeyrefitte6899]

Tommy Darker I wanted to cry and I still haven't seen the movie sigh

[@andreanaranjo1655]

I know! It’s so horrible.

[@raeroa7982]

me too

[@saraho2255]

Not gonna lie I definitely teared up

[@thisisntallowed9560]

''Nooo I must NOT get emotional over something so little'' I tell myself everytime but I'm not the only one

[@fabrisse7469]

I saw the first screening of this movie in Washington, DC; it was a packed house about 60-40 black-white. Because my father was military, I never directly lived with segregation (although Dad did), but I knew the places depicted, and understood most of the context. Everyone applauded at the end. Leaving the theater, I saw the most wonderful thing. There was a big standee for the movie in the lobby and a line of middle school girls waiting to have their pictures taken with it, the way I've seen boys (mostly) the same age having their pictures taken with standees from superhero movies.

[@LessonsfromtheScreenplay]

That's so amazing. There's hope yet!

[@princessthyemis]

that's awesome!!

[@jamescarmody4713]

@Teodor Gumovsky What on Earth would make you think such a ridiculous thing?

[@RaymondHng]

@Teodor Gumovsky How does running half a mile to the nearest colored rest room to be a better shape for the African-American community?

[@airavearentertainment9186]

Dude you make awesome videos.

[@LessonsfromtheScreenplay]

Thanks Brandon!

[@airavearentertainment9186]

You're welcome!!

[@DangerousDefunkify]

Every time.

[@strylyf2382]

Brandon- Dude, so do you! Dropping that Truth on The Last Jedi!

[@perenniallachrymosity276]

@Neil Brown isn't that like your 16th comment like this here? ._.

[@alexturlais8558]

I love hidden figures. It's a fascinating story with incredible actors, fantastic cinematography and an enthralling plot. This analysis really did it justice!

[@RuhBuhJuh1]

Man, your visuals are amazing. You somehow managed to make the simultaneous explanation of 3 subplots perfectly clear and understandable. Awesome job.

[@LessonsfromtheScreenplay]

That's awesome to hear cause I was worried it would be hard to follow!

[@hannahblanchsky9681]

Could you talk about how movies balance an ensemble cast? I've been watching movies like Magnificent Seven, Hateful Eight, and the Usual Suspects, and they all do a good job of telling several stories while not confusing or boring the viewer. How does that work? Thanks!

[@fr279]

Good idea

[@WenBilson]

Pretty soon we’ll be able to read all of Robert McKee and John Truby’s books from your quotations! Which is good because I don’t have the money to buy them yet. I loved your timeline of plot and subplot section, it was wonderfully realised through your design and editing. Great job! xx

[@LessonsfromtheScreenplay]

:P Thanks Wen! (Or, I'm assuming, Ben)

[@DrRove]

Try your local library. That's how I read them.

[@jayaychyremo2332]

Wen Bilson you can free download PDF file from internet

[@mophead_xu]

+jayaychy remo yeah but thats piracy idk about the other dude, but like him, i havent been able to afford the book (though there was a sale on google play books, but i was late to it), and i would rather consume things legally when i can. so ye

[@レッド-h1i]

You can download Story on PDF. I already have but i still havent found anatomy of a story yet.

[@Beforethecredits]

I'm actually pretty excited youtube it bringing in a sponsor button. It should be great for content creators that don't game. Edit: Thanks for the new video. Keeps me motivated.

[@LessonsfromtheScreenplay]

Yeah! I'm hoping it takes off and really helps out channels, especially smaller ones trying to sprint toward sustainability.

[@Beforethecredits]

Lessons from the Screenplay I actually just got my first patron last week and it made my month. I'm looking forward to them unlocking subscriptions for all channels soon. Congrats getting in to the beta.

[@MinaF99]

These videos are incredibly well edited

[@LessonsfromtheScreenplay]

Thanks!

[@jakobrogers625]

Lessons from the Screenplay What program do you use to edit your videos?

[@smtucker0419]

www.lessonsfromthescreenplay.com/blog/2017/5/23/faq-what-equipment-and-software-do-you-use

[@MakaylaLysiak]

Do you make your own films? I feel like you have so much knowledge about filmmaking that your work would be brilliant.😂💞

[@Hannah-tp7tp]

OML YESS!!

[@LessonsfromtheScreenplay]

I do, but I haven't made one in awhile. The channel takes up all my time basically. But if you want to see some of my old work: kzbin.info/aero/PLNG5rL9TYct0qJ87N5HakHdwfyPKmSuQK

[@MakaylaLysiak]

Lessons from the Screenplay Awesome thank you so much! I love your channel btw. I'm a professional actress and I love how you decipher all the elements that go into telling a compelling story. Your videos are really helpful when I need to breakdown my scripts. I'll be sure to check out your work!

[@nolanpolansky]

His work probably wouldn’t be appreciated, he’s a good educator but most people can’t do both... like Authors vs Directors

[@edwardroneill]

Wonderful. Your best yet, IMO. The graphics showing the subplots is wonderful. It makes so many things so clear in such a straightforward way. Superb visual communication.

[@LessonsfromtheScreenplay]

Thanks again, Ed! Praise from you always feels good :)

[@ThinkStory]

As always you are the gold standard of video essays Michael! I'm launching my 2nd one next week!

[@LessonsfromtheScreenplay]

Thank you!

[@Megan-vb9ze]

And look at you now, nice!

[@DraconianDeus]

I mean, if they would have made the film just about 1 female mathematician, it would have been some generic "based on a real story" kind of drivel, i think. The subplots, although being kind of simple and generic, do add a lot to the film, and it ~feels~ really solid as a result. That scene when they tear down the sign from the bathroom is a very strong one though. And all around very solid perfomance from Kevin Costner in this film. P.S. Still waiting on that Magnolia video :D

[@LessonsfromtheScreenplay]

Agreed! Oh man, Magnolia could be awesome...

[@MegaKaitouKID1412]

I find the image of the bathroom sign being torn down as kind of weirdly unsatisfying and self-contradictory to me. Tearing down the sign in the coloured bathroom across campus wouldn't really affect any backlash that Katherine might get from the white women in the white bathrooms. And frankly, I don't think there was a way to rescue that scene, because it was an unnecessary "white saviour" bit inserted when the real story featured a much more powerful handling of the bathroom issue: Katherine refusing to run across campus and quietly but assertively just using the women's washrooms nearby.

[@TheQueenQuinta]

Also, that actually never happened in real life and only serves to make certain characters seem less villainous and sympathetic. These women did wonderful important work but their supervisors were never that flexible on their racism/misogyny. Loved the film but parts of it felt a lot like revisionist history.

[@DraconianDeus]

Oh, for sure, the scene very much hinges on suspension of disbelief, the movie as a whole, i think, romanticizes that era a lot. However, the scene fits the narrative pretty well. You could argue that it's there to basically earn "oscar points", but that's a different discussion entirely :D

[@MarchingGrrl]

Kevin Costner's entire career has been about showing people how not-racist he is. Dances with wolves, Hidden Figures, MacFarland USA, and the most gawd-Awful, Black and White. Those are only the ones I've seen. Dude has a complex.

[@BreakingBanter]

Well, suddenly feeling very self concious about our own video essay we're about to post 😂 This is excellent as always man, keep it up.

[@LessonsfromtheScreenplay]

Thanks! Looking forward to yours :)

[@BreakingBanter]

Lessons from the Screenplay Cheers Michael! Would also low key kill to see you do a video on Justice League at some point. It's an easy target, but would be great to see you really break down why its such a mess 👍 *whispers* "Watch The Leftovers too"

[@LessonsfromtheScreenplay]

Still need to see Justice League...maybe this week I'll go to an early showing or something :|

[@RalphLindsen]

Movie bob is doing a three part Really That Bad video essay about BvS. Each is 1,5 hour long haha. You might like it.

[@micahsayler1173]

I love how you guys are fans of Michael's work because I am a huge fan of both channels!

[@kelly2fly]

Mrs. Johnson visited my daughter's school several months ago. My daughter asked for an autograph on her 'Hidden Figure" book. And then she gifted the signed book to her baby sister.

[@CalamityFaryn]

I totally feel like i should have realized all the connections between the subplots, went over my head completely. Awesome video as always :)

[@LessonsfromtheScreenplay]

:) Thanks!

[@kalenzypie]

This analysis was superb! The flow of the analysis, the gorgeous and visually pleasing timeline of the screenplay and i love the colour codes for the plots. Also i love the font, its so effortless to read. Really enjoyed this, thank you!

[@LessonsfromtheScreenplay]

Awesome, that's great to hear! Thanks Michelle!

[@LessonsfromtheScreenplay]

Wonder what that new “Sponsor” button is all about? I explain it at the end of the video! (11:08) *What have been your favorite films of 2017?* I'm on the road today, driving to my parents' for Thanksgiving, but will look at all the comments when I get there!

[@diegom-a7970]

Please do "Birdman", "Adaptation" directed by Spike Jonze and "The Good the Bad and the Ugly" I love you Michael!!

[@viguimaraaes]

Baby driver and Call me by your name!!

[@enricofrancese2883]

Dunkirk is my most favorite, absolutely. Then I loved Arrival and Logan.

[@Maiasgameroom]

Get Out, Wonder Woman, It, Thor: Ragnarok, Baby Driver.

[@battleupsaber462]

Lessons from the Screenplay 1. Baby Driver 2. Blade Runner 2049 3. Logan 4. IT 5. Arrival (Jan release here) Honorable mentions to Dunkirk, War for the Planet of the Apes, Get Out and John Wick 2

[@JacksMovieReviews]

Great discussion of what proved to be one of my favorite movies from last year!

[@NamelessMoreOne]

When you pointed out the work you put into the graphics, showing the plot and subplots, it really dawned on me how seamless it was. True quality work that isn't grandiose and immediately obvious, but is incredibly immersive. It's part of the reason I enjoy the quality of your videos so much, thank you for making another one.

[@saydeegirl]

I’m waiting for the day you actually begin to write movie scripts. You would be sooo good at it because you understand all of the little factors that go in to make a movie great. I would watch whatever movie you wrote for in a heartbeat!

[@jamiemacdonald9041]

Love this video. The Mograph timeline was so clear and concise. Bravo!

[@wietskejanse5951]

Your videos are always so eloquently done and beautifully edited. Thank you so much! I absolutely loved this film, and want to rewatch it again after watching this video :)

[@Summerthegriot]

I am so thankful that my screenwriter friend told me about your channel. This video and all the others I've seen from you are absolutely amazing. Beautifully put together and throughgly explained information. Thank you so much.

[@matheusazevedoC]

last sunday i was saying to my friend "so, michael make really great videos, but he post only month to month, probably cause he gotta do lots of research. So I can count the day he will probably post a new video and see in a day or two the video coming out." I knew it it was this week! Another great video I guess

[@LessonsfromtheScreenplay]

Impressive call! Yeah...these videos take a lot of time, and I've been *really* busy this month, so this took an extra long time.

[@oreadeogun7361]

Matheus azevedo I

[@quesadillo809]

honestly your videos are amazing and deserve wayyyy more attention! pls don't stop, they're so good

[@michaelnelson2976]

Either you have just such a good taste in movies that the ones you pick exemplify all these elements that you point out or your analysis and explanation skills are just this good. Very excellent video, I was delighted to see this notification!

[@LessonsfromtheScreenplay]

Thanks Michael!

[@diandrar2896]

I think it's worth noting Pharrell Williams use of music throughout the film. The use of his song "Runnin'" throughout the film was brilliant and comedic

[@kaylakoerper6892]

He also is from virginia beach, so he felt connected to the location and story.

[@charlyboy71]

This movie was just beautiful.. Heartbreaking how people can be treated.. and still endure.. It brought me to tears a few times.. And your video was insightful and greatly done..

[@shubhambansal1145]

Great to contribute to your amazing videos.

[@LessonsfromtheScreenplay]

Thank you! And thanks for being my first sponsor! :D

[@shubhambansal1145]

My pleasure!!! :D

[@dunyamedia]

Another flawless video 🙌🏽 thank you so much for this! I've been watching a lot of tv, especially as I produced season one of my first show (on my channel now!), and am finally getting back to watching features. There are a few things as satisfying as having a story that begins and ends in two hours, and this video reveals so much about why that is

[@emilyt6116]

It shouldn't be the basis of everything, and it isn't, but it surely helps that you have a calm and soothing voice. It makes me want to listen more lol.

[@im19ice3]

this isnt even a quarter of the movie in clips why am i crying again

[@dverners]

I learned about this channel while watching Crash Course Film: Film School Yay or Nay - #14. I'm glad I did. Lately, I've been focusing so much on my financial situation that I've completely set aside my passion for storytelling, which is very dangerous. Our goals and aspirations, dreams and passions, have an expiration date, and over-time, the fire that ignites it slowly dims. It's things like this channel that helps keep that passion burning. From here on out, I will inundate myself in films, books regarding screenwriting, and any other storytelling medium that helps develop that skill. Thank you, for creating this channel.

[@worthlessworms]

I started crying at the title screen. I always cry at these. My absolute favorite series on youtube. 💜

[@LessonsfromtheScreenplay]

Good crying hopefully :P

[@ipekkomurcu]

You are amazing!!! This is like a master class with great explanations, graphics and intelligence. I love it so much! Thank you thank you thank you

[@anirudhashok9925]

This is the best moment of my life. Cinefix and LFTS both uploaded their videos at exactly the same minute. Moments like this give hope in life 😁😍😍

[@THENBASTORYTELLER]

Good work on bringing new skills to the table, with all the after effects.

[@LessonsfromtheScreenplay]

Thanks!

[@JuanManuelVilchisOntiverossv52]

I think that Watchmen is another movie that works on several subplots. Maybe not so flawlesly as HF but it worth noticing. Keep the great job, I love your videos.

[@R.K.994]

One of the best, if not, THE BEST movie analyser on KZbin that just factual, objective and cares about his craft and teaching

[@Kaegri]

I love this, the analysis of subplots, theming, showing change visually, all of it is fascinating.

[@heels9933]

I'm glad you chose this film to talk about, great video as always!

[@placeholder9462]

welcome back old friend

[@brennencrippen3]

Screenwriting is so complicated! It's amazing how much science and detail goes behind an amazing story. It's not as simple as people think.

[@Jymlovecheese]

You should do a video on Black mirror, episodes like "White Christmas" and "Shut up and dance" are just so well told. Their twists always caught me so off guard, yet when you watched it a second time all the information you needed was hiding right in front of you!

[@deellaboe437]

How one amazing true story is being analyzed. Not only did these amazing women do historical things. But is teaching us about why they're story mattered so much.

[@eadeceano-vivas1331]

Excellent video. That graph breaking down/mapping the plot/subplots is spectacular. Very useful for a visual learner like me.

[@ItohKuni]

I don't know how it's possible, but you're videos somehow keep getting better, and man the amount I learn from each video is ridiculous! This was awesome, thank you for sharing the insight!

[@junkytboy]

Ya this was probably the most visually impressive video you have done to date. Seeing the timeline was very interesting as all the conflicts came right after each other in the middle. Also I just ordered the book 'Story' from Amazon because of you. I don't even write stories but it just seems like such an important book becuase you kepp bringing it up haha.

[@LessonsfromtheScreenplay]

Awesome! Thanks Charlie :)

[@Sinkinson_]

Great video Michael 👍 Didn't enjoy the film too much, but can appreciate the crafting of the screenplay, keep it up man!

[@LessonsfromtheScreenplay]

Fair enough! Thanks!

[@justinlocs]

The magnitude of Hidden Figures still gets me. Even watching this video got me emotional because of how well you detailed how the story arcs work in the film. Great job!!!

[@LateCodOficial]

Great video!

[@Ryan0123ify]

I am getting goosebumps watching the analysis of this film, I am amazed especially at the symbols of change.

[@frankchen887]

I love how you made the Timeline sections! You have amazing graphic and animation design skills! Mad respect man!

[@t-shahey2458]

Rewatched! Can't get enough of your videos! Also, awesome how you briefly explained how you made it.

[@ScarlettAlexandraS]

This film was excellent! Thank you for another great video!! It’s why you’re my fav channel! Xoxo

[@davidtplays]

This is one of my favorite channels. Happy to become a sponsor! Keep up the amazing videos!!

[@ultimaidyt]

ahh this is gonna be so useful as i write my first full-length screenplay! ive never been wonderful at subplots and this is incredibly helpful and informative. also, what a great movie!! i love hidden figures and i need to watch it again. keep up the good work. thank you for this.

[@sourtigershideout]

How you so elegantly broke down all the details so thoroughly is just #fire Thank you for your passion!

[@liminalbackroom]

You make amazing videos every time and I'm always anticipating the next upload every week. I'm a writer and it really helps and clues me in on things I might be missing, and how to make my writing better. Keep up the amazing work, I hope you go far with this kind of stuff.

[@annamayer1154]

Please do a video on the realistic portrayal of emotions in Manchester by the Sea! It's such a beautiful film, and I feel like it has lots of lessons to teach us about the unnecessary dramatisation of grief and loss in Hollywood films.

[@MoonAtomic7]

An analysis of Your Name would be neat. The highest grossing anime of all time and deservedly so.

[@anujokay6441]

currently i was strugling with the subplots in my story . This will help . Thnkx.

[@michaelcain9324]

That was beautiful. And since I’m reading Anatomy of Story right now, quite helpful. Thank you.

[@DannyTheDancer]

The extremely precise articulation of your thoughts in ALL your videos is just wonderful. Analysis of the world around us is the cherry on top of modern life. You demonstrate the beauty of analyzing, and it’s inspiring! (: (Of course not to mention the inherently empowering nature of this amazing movie)

[@THESHOTGUNSTUDIOS]

God bless you for creating these videos. These truly do allow people to understand the complexities within screenwriting. Thanks you Michael.

[@Sophia-hs7et]

Your videos are incredibly informative and so interesting to watch I love it

[@mariaalaniz719]

Good work! I am working on multiple screenplays and of them all need compelling subplotting. Thank you. Appreciate it.

[@elizabethrenton9715]

I love how these videos are basically academic essays in video form it really helps with my essays

[@Ithladir]

I've been looking to give back for the wonderful content for some time now and the thought of Patreon was alluring but this KZbin sponsor opportunity snagged me first. I always look forward to your videos Michael!

[@tinroof8700]

Michael - you are truly a master of his craft...well done and thank you for helping to unlock a couple of issues I've been having with my own script!

[@freelance-games]

Thankyou for making these videos. I love movies and story and you present so many ah-ha moments that give me so much more joy in the things I've seen. Rolling through the backlog on your channel now and loving each one.

[@amandasnider2644]

Please do a video on the show in Hannibal. It's an excellent show and it's the only time that I genuinely was never able to predict what a character is going to do next and constantly second guessing which side he is on.

[@jarrethendrickson2203]

Top 10 favorite films so far this year: Raw, Brawl in Cell Block 99, Good Time, Lady Bird, Ingrid Goes West, Super Dark Times, The Killing of a Sacred Deer, Dunkirk, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, Blade Runner 2049. I think The Lobster would be an interesting choice to do a video on. And for another very different choice, I think a Goodfellas video could be amazing. Brick would be awesome too, since Rian Johnson has a new film coming out.

[@MarkRasmussen72]

Nicely done, Michael. One of your best video essays/analyses yet. Up there with my fave 'Gone Girl'. Great stuff mate.

[@QUARTERMASTEREMI6]

Wowzers - that conclusion was absolutely beautiful. Brilliant work again as always! ❤

[@writeengagegrow3159]

Your videos always make me think about my own writing projects, how to better polish and make them ready for submitting to publishers. I can't thank you enough for that. On the other hand, your videos make me feel bad about my own :/ Thanks Michael! Keep up the great work!

[@Lobstrique]

i love you, Michael. will definitely check this movie out. the amount of work that goes into your essays is mind-blowing. hope the youtube donation thing works well!

[@robchuk4136]

Hidden Figures is a real treat. I take Michael as more of a genre guy, so this was a pleasant surprise! Fine job, as always

[@ucsdgirl159]

You don't post often, but when you do I know I am going to get quality. I love your work. As always, phenominal video!

[@brianfong8592]

One of your best videos. I already thought HF was a good movie, but with this analysis I now think of it as great.

[@IFeelSoTongueTied]

god michael yr videos just get better and better......... literally the only youtube channel where i still wait anxiously for the next video thanks as always!!!!!

[@andypham1451]

Now I truly understood subplots on a level that I didn't look into. Thanks to you, I am learning a lot. Even if I don't aspire to become a screenwriter or a director. I do have a suggestion. Could you analyse a tv show called Legion?

[@jordansullivan5764]

Excellent work! So often in film it seems that the subplots are only there to fill time, but that is decidedly not the case here. What a fantastic film!

[@ryla157]

I've been a slump recently and your videos really helped me get inspired.Thank you for making them and I think what you're doing is great :)

[@BLaiaiprincess]

Always glad to see vid updates, i forgot how inspiring this movie was! Gotta rewatch

[@Jonatomato]

I absolutely love your videos man, you have such a calm and relaxing voice, and your editing is so good! Keep it up :D

[@TheRealFlyingMonkey]

Your concluding sentences are just..... art. I'm very jealous haha

[@JJGGYT]

Easily your best video! Well done!

[@elliotsterling2560]

This was exactly what I needed to hear! Thank you so much for helping me get out of writer's block. Keep doin what you do

[@samanthajungers8442]

I wasn’t expecting to like Hidden Figures as much as I did, mainly because the 60s isn’t my favorite decade and there’s a bunch of math, but it was so good.

[@lokeshloki45]

I've been a follower of your channel and videos. Being a film maker my self i learn a lot from them. appreciate them a lot. Thank you.

[@richardglady3009]

I watched this movie for the first time this weekend. Thank you for explaining what I was watching but not really seeing.

[@mikahong]

Im currently a film student and your videos really help me. Brilliant as always.

[@hootsifer-darling]

one of the few channels on KZbin actually worth supporting

[@pauldavidson3035]

Great video, found the graphics really helpful to layout the structure, amazing job!

[@Thytos]

Each one of your videos is so interesting and gives such an insightful perspective! You really make high quality videos!

[@laurasosweet]

Your voice is so soothing and you are so eloquent!! I love your videos