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
Saving Private Ryan – I had watched this movie years ago and really liked it then. Watching it again and answering the questions on the movie sheet is a completely different experience. I know guys still out there doing that kind of selfless, heroic, honorable, courageous work protecting our country, democracy and peace while sacrificing their lives and families. I deeply respect and appreciate their sacrifices. I’m not sure how anyone can do that without firm belief and faith in something. This movie primarily focuses on the Christian perspective, which I find interesting as it is directed by Steven Spielberg. Throughout the movie, the soldiers are constantly praying and relying on their faith and morals to get them through the gruesomeness of war. As Cpt. John Miller tells Private Ryan at the end, its all about earning your life, so live it with meaning. The soldiers all followed orders, despite risking and losing lives of many, in the process of saving one person. Amazing!
I saw many aspects of my own life in the blind side, as my wife and I adopted her two sisters and brother (15, 14, and 9) during our first vacation together in our early twenties. Learning to swim by jumping off the end of the dock so to speak brings a lot of emotion and instincts to the equation as everything comes at you so fast, but once your head is above water and you can start thinking things through a bit more, the reality of the situation brings much joy.
Now that all three of them are grown and out of the house, and both girls are married with children, the trials and tribulations, stressful and hard as they were, have allowed me to open my heart in ways that I never imagined.
What a great story (though the part of the coach was a bit cheesy at times). I found it both amazing and inspirational how Michael demonstrated the best qualities that are inside all of us. He suffered through mental abuse, the temptation of drugs, the constant question of where he would lay his head each night, and the threat of street violence… and came out the other side. The movie suggests he was taught to "close his eyes" his entire life to avoid this pain and suffering. I tend to believe there was an unseen force at work in his life that separated him from so many others that simply became a statistic in that environment… a force that kept his spirit unbroken and receptive to the kindness of others. ..a force that kept him attending school, even when he didn't have a home to go to…a force that had a plan for Michael. The movie told a great story, but I believe it’s just one chapter in a life that will prove to be a symbol of hope for many others facing the same challenges that Michael faced. The Touhy's seem to have given Michael a voice during the course of the movie (and his smile), but the words were always on the inside and his plan/story is much bigger than The Blind Side. I still have many questions about my own worldview and faith for that matter, but story's like this one are helping me on my journey.
Michael definitely inspired me through his quiet, unfaltering determination to keep pushing forward. I was able to see some parallels in my own upbringing and it made me think of all those children in the world who have no one to rely on but themselves.
I love how you put it Earnie – stories like this one are helping me on my own journey. I could not have put it better. I don’t know what my life’s experiences are preparing me for; I just trust God that His plan is even greater than I could have imagined.
What I learned about my own story from “The Blind Side”. This movie is very well done. The Tuohys were very wealthy, and to have involvement in someone else’s life(Big Mike) goes against statistics. I think the difference is the Christian influence. I think this influence makes all the difference in the world. We took in a single mother for a period of time to live with us. I never would have done that without the need being present and God nudging us onward. I was not always fired up about the situation- life tends to happen. In the end I think my kids were affected more then we know. I think Big Mike also had a lasting effect on the Tuoky’s kids as well as Leigh Anne. The humor in this movie was excellent and I think that makes all the difference in real life.
Thanks for sharing your story Jerry. Without knowing all the details, you imply that the experience made your kids stories better…similar to Miller's friend in the book. That is really cool and inspirational. I had never read Miller before, but really liked the language he used to share his story. I think listening to "our writer" when opportunities like these present themselves is key. I have not always done this in the past, but recent experiences (including this class) are making me look (listen) at things different.
That's great Jerry — and you can really relate to this story! Humor is important in real life. Too often I get too serious about life and forget that. You're right though, life tends to happen, so deal with it as best as you can and find something to smile about — easier said than done at times, but I hope to improve that outlook.
Growing up Southern Baptist, I’ve watched my share of “movies with a message.” Without exception, they were horribly made, even if the source story was worth hearing. While Soul Surfer was passable, I did enjoy The Blind Side, even more during my second viewing.
While Bethany Hamilton’s story demonstrated courage and faith, Leigh Anne Tuohy experienced a greater worldview change. Bethany had every reason to persevere, and had the support of her family, friends and church. Both Michael Oher and Leigh Anne were fighting their central beliefs, their family and friends, and even the NCAA.
Additionally, The Blind Side depicts the transformation of two people, from two different backgrounds, having their worldviews changed simultaneously to the same view. This is a much richer story than one person changing theirs. This is because, as their worldviews converge, their relationship grows. The best stories involve relationships, especially one that occurs from two people whose background is extremely different, and several beliefs must be addressed and revised.
I like your comment on the Blind Side being a richer story by depicting the transformation of multiple characters. I think it's clear that both Michael and Leigh Anne changed during the movie. In real life, I imagine both Micheal and Bethany's stories will change countless lives. That's what makes movies such as these so important to our society.
Good point about the transformations of two completely different people to the same worldview in the Blind Side. Leigh Anne Tuohy and Michael Oher definitely overcame significant obstacles that strengthened their relationship.
(I haven't seen Soul Surfer yet).
My family watched this movie some time ago and I did not really have a desire because I saw famous actors names advertised and thought it would be another movie filled with a Hollywood's false sense of reality point of view. Boy was I wrong, thank you so much Gary for assigning The Blind Side. I realized this film was a true story half way through and with delight loved it. I am mostly attracted to films based on some true side of a story and plots that involve faith based point of views. The heroics played out for us to view was so touching and really next door to most of us. It is hard to challenge people who are like Micheal Ohe to accept what God can offer and accept them into our protective bubbles of life we occupy. To take up the cross is exactly what Leigh Ann and her family did, to do it for just anyone takes the power of God in a persons life and the willingness to let go of all our fears and talk from people who do not know God's Kingdom and think how can I help this person when I cannot help myself. That is it, turn our inward mirror's outward, that is what my family and I try to do everyday. If we do not stay close to God, society creeps in and tries to tell us different messages.
The Blind Side was a wonderful faith based film. The film revealed that actions are much more powerful than our thoughts. It took a huge step of faith for Mrs Toughy to invite Michael into her home and an even bigger step to adopt Michael in order to make a bigger impact in his life. Why do we believe in helping others but do not act on our belief? Is it fear or is it our selfish nature and the fact that we may loose some me time if we invest ourselves in others? This movie made me realize that I need to act on my thoughts when compelled to lend a helping hand instead of ignoring them. All to often I see a situation where I could step in a make a difference and hold back because of fear of the outcome or other selfish reasons. This movie has shown me to put more faith and trust in God in order to follow through with my thoughts and desires to help others. Leigh Ann's friends comment how she is changing Michaels life and she comments back that no, Michael is changing her life. I believe that when we help others we are helping ourselves and the rewards are amazing. Our character developes and our worldviews are shaped.
I might even say that our character develops AS our worldview is shaped.
I watched this movie a couple of years and loved it. Watching it again made me love it even more. This movie is heartwarming and shows the true meaning of love without boundaries. This is the kind of movie that leaves you feeling good and shows that there is still hope in this world. It is uplifting and has a solid message to it. The fact that this story is based on real life events shows that there are still some good people out there who are not blinded by the color of someone’s skin. The movie challenged me to open my eyes and see the needs of those around me, put less emphasis on myself and more on others. Love and trust between strangers from 2 very different worlds is totally doable.
I couldn't agree with you more. It also reminds us that we may live in the same city and yet certain parts of he city we have never set foot into, just like in the movie. We are so afraid that we live our whole life and never once know what it's like for those who live in the ghetto. What is like to truly be in a disadvantage. If Micheal Oher never cam across the Tuohy, I wonder would he have gotten the opportunity to become who he is today. Can you imagine how many talent kids who miss the opportunity just because they were born to the wrong family or in poverty.
What I learned about my own story from "The Blind Side" — I can relate to a lot of Leigh Anne Tuohy's feelings as portrayed in the movie. Long before I was married and thinking of starting a family, I had the idea that I would like to adopt a child in addition to biological children. Little did I know that would be my only actual method of becoming a mom. I have two beautiful sons, both adopted internationally as infants. I had the opportunity to learn their stories and witness the poverty and bleak lives they might otherwise experience without adoption. Some people might view my boys as being lucky to have been adopted. But I believe it is quite the opposite in that I AM LUCKY to have been blessed to be their mom! They have forever enriched my life and filled it with love. I don't take them for granted. It was a very long and emotional road to motherhood for me, full of obstacles. In this respect, I think I understand Leigh Anne's maternal instinct to love Michael Oher unconditionally and through the obstacles they faced. It really doesn't matter how your children come to be, love is love!
I loved your story, Belinda. We’re looking at adoption right now. My wife is wrestling with the idea that she would be raising “someone else’s child.” I’m trying to (gently) show her that while others would look at the outside (such as the child’s race), how the child looks on the inside would resemble us.
I just LOVE your story Belinda and it really inspires me to realize the whole story of adoption and the blessing that it produces for all involved. You definitely have lived a story worth telling!
"And opened up the “plausibility structure” for audiences accepting that not all Christians are the preachy, bigoted hypocrites so often portrayed by the media." (Stratton).
I like movies that are unapologetically Christian, not that kind of Christian that points fingers at sinners. But more, the characters are "out" as Christians, without any real violence or profanity, and a box office success. This movie speaks to the innate gift we all have in us to do good things. God speaks to us on behalf of other people. I am grateful for the Tuohy's obedience and heart to reach out to a child in need. I am also grateful for Micheal's heart and his openness to accept his new family. In taking a chance on this family, he allowed God to write a better story for him. Donald Miller says God writes our story like an author writes words on a page.