When movies meet math : portrayals of women in mathematics in film

Abstract

Women are often at the receiving end of negative biases when portrayed in the film industry. This is especially evident in films that are related to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. This project takes a critical look at six films from the last decade, namely 21, An Invisible Sign, The Imitation Game, A Brilliant Young Mind, Hidden Figures, and Gifted, each mathematics-related, and examines the portrayals of the women in mathematical roles and the extent of the bias against them within each movie.