Part of ongoing series: Hollywood and Higher Education: Teaching Worldview Thru the Stories We Live By (See also, The Future of Faith-Based Filmmaking)
The Blind Side is not so much the story of a Christian family who transformed the life of a homeless teenager as much as it is the story of a homeless teenager who transformed the faith of a Christian family
by Gary David Stratton • Senior Editor
“Wow, I’ve finally met someone who practices but doesn’t preach.” —Sandra Bullock, speaking of Leigh Anne Tuohy, whom Bullock portrayed in her first Oscar-winning performance
In the aftermath of the runaway success of The Blind Side, Hollywood has become more open to Christians’ stories. I don’t mean “Christian” stories, but rather human stories about Christians whose faith has been an element in their facing universal human struggles.
The Blind Side was unlike anything normally accepted by the Church as a “Christian Film.” It is neither an evangelistic message about Leigh Anne Tuohy (Sandra Bullock) witnessing about her faith, nor Michael Oher (Quinton Aaron) coming to faith, nor a missionary appeal for how Christian families should adopt disadvantaged youth, nor a white-washed tale about perfect Christians, living perfect lives, with perfect motives, and everything turning out perfectly.
O, the Humanity!
Sandra Bullock as the highly flawed and genuinely Christian, Leigh Anne Tuohy.
Instead, it is a very human story about a very human woman whose Christian faith informed and motivated a series of radical decisions that transformed her life, her family, and the young man they adopted. The story is not about her faith, but her faith is clearly part of the story.
This approach works only because The Blind Side wasn’t made like a typical “Christian film.” Although director John Lee Hancock describes himself as a Christian and there are a number of other talented Christians working at Alcon Entertainment who helped guide the project, Hancock made The Blind Side because he thought the story the Tuohys lived was so compelling. Period!
“The fact that the Tuohys are Christians played absolutely no part in me doing it or not doing it…. I mean, let’s be honest, it’s an incredibly charitable act that yields rewards for this family. It would have been an also amazingly charitable act had the Tuohys been atheists. A good deed is a good deed… I thought it was a great story.”
Hancock goes on to explain: “I think that if I set out to do stories based on that (Christianity or even inspiration) then it will probably be like the cart leading the horse… You set out to tell a good story. You don’t do it because there is a deep message involved because the movie is almost always bad when you do that…”[1]
The Future of “Christian” Filmmaking
Michael Oher is a most unlikely hero in the most unlikely “Christian” film in recent memory.
It is the very humanness of the film that makes it so approachable. Leigh Anne Tuohy is a flawed individual. She is a stubborn control freak, still struggling to stay in control even in the very last scene of the movie. Yet when motivated by her Christian faith Leigh Anne’s flaws propel her to make decisions that few other women would even consider. Her character is complicated (which is why Sandra Bullock won an Academy Award for portraying her), and therefore very compelling. We like her precisely because she represents our highest aspirations and our worst self-sabotaging realities.
Hancock’s approach points toward a compelling future for “Christian” filmmaking in Hollywood — If you live it, they will come (to the theater, that is). Audiences don’t want to watch “Christian” films. They want to see good films about good stories. Compelling stories about real life human beings who overcome tremendous obstacles and who are transformed into better human beings in the process. (See, Casablanca and the Four Levels of Worldview. Crash Goes the Worldview.)
If the story happens to be about someone whose faith informed and motivated their journey then who’s to argue? Their story earned them the right to let their faith be part of the film. (And opened up the “plausibility structure” for audiences accepting that not all Christians are the preachy, bigoted hypocrites so often portrayed by the media.)
In the end, The Blind Side isn’t so much the story of a Christian family who transformed the life of a homeless teenager so much as it is the story of a homeless teenager who transformed the faith of a Christian family: all because one woman made the radical decision to actually live out her faith.
As Sandra Bullock opined about Leigh Anne and the Tuohy family:
“[S]he has no idea the path she’s begun, in terms of adoption and fostering. It’s not been on the forefront of people’s minds. It is on the forefront of my mind every day now when I get up. When I look around I go, ‘Is he, is she, what is their situation?’ And it’s because of this family, and I think what they are going to do for our country in terms of being aware of that is – I don’t think they realize the profound affect that they are going to have…. [Y]ou see this family, they were themselves for no other benefit other than because they wanted to reach out, lend a hand, and had no idea that they would get a son in return… I said, ‘Wow, I’ve finally met someone who practices but doesn’t preach.’ ” (Italics mine.)[2]
In other words, if Christians actually lived better stories then we might have a litany of heroic stories to draw upon and films to make that real people in real theaters actually want to see and A-list actors want to play. Stories about men and women (and teenagers) whose faith motivated and informed their choices to live remarkable lives by making remarkable decisions and overcome remarkable obstacles.
Living a Better Story
If more Christians actually lived compelling stories then we might have a litany of heroic movies.
Every believer (and not just filmmakers) ought to be asking themselves ‘Am I living the kind of story that, in Donald Miller’s words, “leaves a beautiful feeling even as the credits role”? As Miller discovered in writing his book subtitled How I Learned to Live a Better Story, few Christians are living stories that come remotely close to living out the full implications of their faith.
What story are we writing with our lives? Leigh Anne Tuohy’s story is deeply heroic precisely because her faith motivated her to take action toward the will of God being done on earth as it is in heaven. Will we?
Heaven is looking for heroic stories even more than Hollywood. Will this generation overwhelm the world with stories of very human Christ followers whose faith motivates and informs the heroic lives they live? The world is watching…
If you live it, they will come!
Next post in series: Current Films by Act One Graduates Reveal Strange Dichotomy in Box Office Mojo’s ‘Christian Movie’ Category, by Gary David Stratton
See Also:
Conversations On The Blind Side – Sandra Bullock and Leigh Anne Tuohy Go One-On-One, by Rebecca Murray
Michael Oher and Tuohy Family Celebrate Super Bowl Victory (ABC)
Hollywood and Higher Education, by Gary David Stratton
Why Story Structure Matters: Even if you don’t want it to, by Christopher Riley
Opening Doors for Others: An Interview with Writer-Director Brian Bird, by Gary David Stratton
Christians in Hollywood: A Mission Impossible Writer Offers a Treatment, by Ron Austin
Notes:
[1] Interview: ‘The Blind Side’ Director John Lee Hancock, Michelle A. Vu [2] Bullock Quotations from: Sandra Bullock and Tim McGraw Discuss ‘The Blind Side’ By Rebecca Murray
I did some research on the the real Michael Oher. What an amazing story. Michael definitely beat the odds. He has a couple of books out that need to be read. Michael was a smart fellow. He did not have to be taught how to play football. Hats off to the Tuohys but Michael had a large amount of people that helped him on his journey. There are a couple of lessons to be learned here. One, we must all do our part in helping one another when the time presents itself and two, it pays to surround ourselves with people who love us for who we are and with people who gives us support. Pick good friends. Mrs. Tuohy was not perfect but she was awesome doing her part. I loved the opening of the movie when Michael's friends dad helps to enroll not only his son but Big Mike at Wingate Christian school. He was another good person helping in the right place at the right time.
Very true! You do have to watch who you are friends with and try to pick good friends. You can learn alot from other people you hang out with. You can see how Michael also changed when he went back to the old neighborhood after his argument withe Leigh Anne. It does make you feel better, and change your story when you are able to change someone elses story.
Bob,
I did a little bit of research too. After watching the movie, I wanted to know more about Michael Oher and the Tuohys. I too believe God places people along our journey to help us along the way
True gift is when it's given without expectation. Both the friend's dad in the beginning and Mrs. Tuohy wanted nothing except just to help someone they see in need. To give Micheal Oher a chance. The amazing thing is Micheal is not a small kid, most who considered helping him would only be like a handout not taking him into their life. The risk was huge and can be scary yet it seems Mrs. Tuohy did not think about any of that. My point is that sometime we over analyze the situation when we should have lend a hand.
This was a great movie. It is very touching to see that there are people out there that are willing to hlep others. Alhough many of us are unable to take someone in and adopt them, there are still other ways to help. I also thought it was nice to see that the teachers were willing to modify their teachings to help Michael learn affectively. I believe that this type of behavior helps grow stronger children and helps them to see the good in people and how they can better their lives. Without someone there to help initiate the "good" story, they may never be able to realize how inspirational they can be. I learned that it is just a rewarding to help someone as it is to be helped. Michael helped Leigh Ann, as much as Leigh Ann helped Michael.
Shawna, I liked your focus on the teachers who made a difference in Michael's learning experiences. It was interesting to see that some of the teachers were potentially a negative influence–looking at his educational situation as impossible to overcome; yet others dug down deep to understand him as a person and student and utilized their gifts to draw him out to his full potential. I was so glad to see they didn't give up on him–and that he was successful in the long run. I can't help but wonder if, as Christ-followers, we are called to "walk alongside" others in a similar fashion–with love, tenacity, advocacy, and determination to support and encourage them to their full potential. What a transformational gift that might be–and though it may not be easy or without challenges, I think that it would be a blessing over time. (I also was touched by Michael's yielding to the process of "being helped" and encouraged–since that is not always easy either)
You are right Shawna, there are many other ways to reach out to people in needs but we sadly often get caught up in our own lives that we forget to make time for people that needs us.
Most Americans aren’t willing to allow themselves to be changed by that kind of process. I had an opportunity to take care of a special needs child who was terminally ill, and “walk them home.” As heartbreaking as the situation was, as I submitted myself to that process, I found more and more that I was taking care of Jesus, and drew joy from that.
Great movie, it really demonstrated Millers points that people dont see thoughts they see actions, and we need to start living a good story instead of writng or thinking about one. Leigh ann took action and that was what made this story possible. By taking Micheal into their home everyone benifited in some way or another. The only part of the movie that was disappointing was when Oher got drafted 23 in the first round of the NFL draft. The Vikings could have had him with the 22 pick, but Harvin is pretty good too when healthy
It is easy to talk the talk, but to actually walk the walk and live for what you believe in makes you a strong individual. I agree that Michael was so smart, he just needed someone to believe in him. The whole family helped to give him the strength to succeed.
Vikings definitely could have benefited from having Michael on their team.
Millers book has made a great impact on my life, I'm obsessed with living a good story, actually an epic story. This movie highlights the impact a person can have on another person's life by just showing up and reaching out. It would have been easy to buy him a coat, give him some meal coupons to their restaurants and drive away, feeling good about their "good deed". What makes someone take the next step?
Me too Kim. I don't want to live a life they make a movie about, I want a SERIES!
Gary,
Funny!!
I appreciated this movie so much in addition to the Donald Miller readings both rang true to get involved, do something. Miller's bike ride across America Leigh Ann took in a child that was not her's. I admire LeighAnn as she is a Christian, but is so because of her actions and her willingness to help. She backs up her faith by her actions. As state above "a good deed is a good deed".
We do need the action. As Miller states you must have a plan and follow through in order to change our story, plan a good story and work towards it. "To accomplish great things, Dream, we must dream as well as act." Anatole France
I think that is what we tend to forget about a good deed is a good deed. Our faith should be live out to show love and care for others. Sometimes as Christians, we get too caught up in what others would think of us and we lack the wiliness to show love. Sometimes we let the non-Christians lead the way in this role.
This move reminds me what it really means to truly love your neighbor as yourself. I believe this is what Jesus meant when he commanded us to do so. Michael Oher made mistakes during his time with the family yet they never looked down on him or blame him for anything. Some of these issue, for some family they would have let him go and want nothing more to do with him. The Tuohy family cared for him and loved him as one of their own. Through this they also grew closer together. Giving definitely has a greater return in investment when we give totally from the heart. This is a great movie.
I can't agree more, the only reward should be the love they all grew to share with each other. This definitely had me thinking of how I can make a difference and get my children to be inspired as well.
Children are like sponges and if they see their parents helping others they will more than likely follow in the their parents footsteps. Making Christ the center of a home is the first step and the second is getting the whole family involved in activities that involve helping other.
Hello Chong,
Yours words are so true. Jesus commands us to love one another. What touched me the most was the simple things about Mike that moved Mrs. Tuohy, like Mike eating at the table and Mike telling her he never had a bed of his own. We must not let ourselves fall into the trap of forgetting to appreciate what the Lord has blessed us with. We have a tendency to take too many things for granted. When we do we become less reactive to other people’s needs. I believe having Mike around made Mrs. Tuohy remember how things should be and maybe once was and not let things stay the way they had become. We all can learn from one another and love,bringing us closer together, lets that happen. I think this movie is great also.
Bob, I too, was so touched with the interactions between Michael and Mrs. Tuohy. For sure, it is so important to "remember our blessings" and the gifts the Lord has blessed us with. Thank you for the reminder–and how we should also appreciate the opportunity to learn from one another. I thought it was very interesting to see how the character, Michael, was "blessed with a 98% on his protective instincts", which must have set the course for his worldviews–yet as his story unfolded, he softened and let others come alongside and be in that role for him. This seemed to change the relationships he had with the Tuohy's as well as others who played a part in his growth and development. What an interesting example of transformation!
Chong,
I agree with your comment..
Giving definitely has a greater return in investment when we give totally from the heart. I think it's the purity of it, pure motives, looking out for someone else, not expecting anything in return, this is when God pours out His blessings.
This movie was powerful and yes the Touhy's didn't give up on Michael but rather supported him and helped him through his mistakes and obstacles. This confirmes that Leigh Ann's act of kindness were truly from the heart. Jesus does command us to love our neighbors as ourselves and also instructs us to help those in need.
Blind side is definately a feel good movie and true which makes it even more inspirational. There were many hero's in this story, of course Leighann because she was certainly the driving force behind the story but her entire family accepted the change and were better for it. Of course Michael is my hero, because he overcame so many barriors and really was a gentle giant born black and he was just trying to find a better story. How difficult it must of been to keep going to school when he didn't have a home, money or food to eat. It is wonderful to see a great story that shows wonderful successful Christain people that truly lived the word, great story.
This was inspiring that despite all odds Michael did not lose himself to drugs, gangs, the temptations of his neighborhood. Even though his mother was an addict, somewhere she must have imparted something to MIchael to be "good". I have to wonder what made Michael stay true? He must have had hope that things would change. They certainly did and what a journey he has had. God has to be here on Earth for that to happen.
One of my friends of 20 years now came from a family that was heavy into the drug scene. Despite being from this background he hasnt even touched a cigarette in his life. I think that some people just have the ability to recognize what direction drugs and alcohol lead to in a life story, even at young age. Its good to see kids make it out of that environment.
Deb –
Michael was my hero too. He was the type of kid that was so appreciative of everything the Tuohy's did for him. He did overcome so many barriers and rose to the top in spite of it all. Michael had many inciting events and it made him a better person. Thanks to the Tuohy family for making it happen.
I also find it so nice to see the children also change their story along with Leigh Ann. It was difficult initially for their daughter to associate with Michael, but she made a true impression when she went to study with him at home, and acknowledged him as her family. It takes a good Christian family to keep strong through this transition. This was as you said a great story.
I like your comment about him going to school. The movie almost mentions it as an aside, but I found it amazing that he continued to attend school in light of his situation. It is humbling to consider that challenges that so many people on the planet face every day to educate themselves, and how easily some of us take the opportunity we have for granted. What’s sad to me is that the system just pushed him through for so long, with no consideration for him as a person. Michael could have easily skipped out, but he persevered and was fortunate to come into contact with those individual teachers who took an interest in him.
I agree with your comment about nobody recognizing Michael as a person. I think that makes the moment when Michael is able to say out loud what *he* wants to do (attend University of Mississippi) so poignant. The Tuohys gave him a better story to tell, and he finally developed the courage to believe that this new story was true, and believed it enough to state that he was apart of it.
The Blind Side is a powerfully endearing story that everyone should see at some point in their lives. It's an inspiring story of "real" people making a profound difference in one mans life. The difference they make changes the mans life and enables him to be something greater than he could have ever imagined. It's only through the Toughy family's love and grace that Michael is able to succeed. What I learned about my own story from watching this movie is that one person/family can make a difference. I need to get more involved in volunteering my time and energy to others and stop living such a selfish life.
I liked the part in the movie when Leigh ann says something to the point of im not changing him he is changing me. The relationship was life changing for all of them.
Richard, The aspect of "being changed" which results from living life as a "change-agent" is really true. I think that even though the experience for Leigh Ann did not begin with that end in mind–as she just showed compassion for a young man who needed a place to stay–it was obvious that here life was transformed. The lives of her family members and friends were also changed. I'd like to think that something similar might happen in my life if I would take a risk to get involved with reaching out more, or even serving with an organization which met the needs of homeless or those facing difficulty in life. While I obviously do not have the wealth of resources the Tuohy family had, just taking a step to say I am willing/available to serve with time or talent might be transformational. Much to think about…
Tricia –
I agree with you that probably everyone of us need to be less selfish and reach out and touch someone's life in a special way. The Lord knows there are hundreds of people that need to be cared for in a real way. It really touched my heart watching the movie. I, too, need to volunteer more in my community.
So true, that one person/one family can clearly make a difference. We can all make a difference especially with our time. A great real life measurable example is to volunteer at "Feed my Starving Children". When you finish a shift you know exactly how many people you have helped to feed and you always finish feeling really good about spending a little time for others. I believe this world is a better place because of people like the Toughys.
Time is huge, sometimes it is just a few seconds of our time that makes a difference in a persons life. I simply smiled and said hello to someone and they emailed me and told me what a difference I had made in their day. The individual went on to tell me that they were really having a difficult day.
Tricia,
I appreciated your statement that "one person/family can make a difference". That is so true–and hopefully we all might be more open to reaching out or taking a risk after seeing "The Blind Side". I so appreciated the example of being available and willing to be used by God that the Tuohy family portrayed. May we be that "one person" who changes the life of someone we meet along the path of life…
I agree, this film made me realize I need to get on board and start investing more of my time in the lives of others. Our world has so many people in need and God has shown me that part of my life purpose is to make a difference in the lives of others for His name sake.
So the Blind Side is still one of my favorite Christian movies to date. The story it tells is very spiritual. Mrs. Tuohy is the kind of role-model all Christians need to be more like. Now I’m not saying that I want to rush right out and adopt a kid or anything, but I think the basis behind what she did was how we should live our lives. We all face obstacles’ in our life that keep us down and the demons fight us every step of the way, but that is when we need to reach to God and bring those problems to Him.
Troy,
This is so true about a role model of a Christian. We need to go above average in doing all that we can to stand strong with Christ regardless of the worldview of many; especially to those that have nothing positive to say about Christians. For we know that the love of Christ overcomes all.
I agree that we need more Mrs. Tuohy's in this world. I think each one of us was created by God to do significant things using our own gifts and talents. Some of us go through life entertaining ourselves and ignoring the gifts we have when we could be making such a huge difference in others lives – like Mrs. Tuohy. This movie reminds me that I need to watch for opportunities to exercise my gifts and talents before it's too late.
Troy –
I loved the Blind Side movie also. The story behind the movie was phenomenal. I totally agree that we need to bring our problems to God and not depend on our own. Leigh Ann was definitely a Godly role model for Michael and others. It is great to faith based movies in the theatre.
Hello Troy,
Mrs. Tuohy responded and did things because they were the right things to do, not because it made her feel good when she did them. If we focused on doing things for the right reasons we would probably help more often. If we are to let God work through us we must forget about ourselves and focus on the task at hand, sometimes easier said than done. I soundly agree with you when you say that Mrs. Tuohy is an awesome Christian role-model. Thanks for writing.
Wow! I thought everything happened so fast. Not knowing anything about a person not even the name, and yet offered them a home. I gave her the platform of a courageous woman. But above all I've seen the power of God worked in a blink of an eye. This woman was motivated by the power and love of God. She went beyond all aspects of physicalism to embrace her idealistic view of life. How inspiring! It takes only one person to take the lead and make that difference in a person's life. As a Christian when we seek Christ and make Him the center of our life, this becomes a normal lifestyle for us. Because all that is good and perfect comes from Him. We may not know that we could have done such a thing, but we'll wake up one morning and all will be done in a blink of an eye. That's the work of God.
I like how you stated "she went beyond all aspects of physicalism to embrace her idealistic view of life" as when we first get to know Leigh Ann Toughy, she seems to be somewhat cold and hardened. She seems to be concerned with dressing right and having the right "things". But, as the movie progresses, we get to see her heart in bits and pieces and then in a huge way when she invites Michael to stay in the families home. Leigh Ann is a great model of how to live out your faith instead of just talking about it.
I actually thought she was a woman who was sure of herself. She was successful but I interpreted that as a healthy work ethic along with her husband. What I applauded was her courage to step outside of her expected social image to take Michael in despite consequences, such as the loss of friends, and the comments her children were getting at school. I thought the movie showed the growth of her children as well. Neither of them came to her with complaints, they grew too.
Ronelle, Your comments about Leigh Ann Tuohy were encouraging. Particularly, I appreciated your insight that she was "motivated by the power and love of God". I can't help but wonder how different life might be if we followed her role model–living in the power and love of God–which would in turn pour out for the benefit of others. I so appreciated her compassion and perseverance, despite the difficulties which she and her family faced as a result of taking in Michael. It seems that they all were blessed by this experience. Not that she did any of it for a reward or honor–but that was the ultimate blessing–since their lives were changed and enriched.
(I admit to wondering if I could give up my guest room/office for a long-time guest!)
Ronelle,
Yes very courageous and most important God did it through them. I was thinking of that as I watched this film how He put the people where He wanted them and showed them what He wanted to show them at His time. I liked the teachers patient and faith in themselves as teachers to take the extra time and work with Michael. I bet teachers everyday pass students that they think take too much of their time. I do not blame the teachers (working as a teachers aid in the past) because they are under such time restrictions and the number of students is overwhelming. I wish the school districts would watch movies and make changes since this is a true story. How can this go on that students get passed through the system. Well Ronney, our job as Christian Ministry students will be laid out for us.
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