Something the Lord Made (DVD)

While other reviews focus on the content and plot of the film, I'd like to address the filmmaking aspects. This film has taken its place on my top five list due to its outstanding script with its artful use of subtext; ensemble acting that is restrained in order to make its emotional currents all the more powerful; cogent, insightful, and sensitive direction; authentic set design; a score that enhances and complements the story's emotional tone; and circumspect, fearless editing. Like the script for Brokeback Mountain, this one stays faithful to the story it is telling. It doesn't wander or digress but remains true to the message being conveyed. Therefore, the viewer doesn't get lost in unnecessary sub-plots. Each scene moves the story forward and reveals more about these characters--Blalock and Thomas--their relationship, and journey together. The story was told from Thomas' point of view as he wrestled with his conflicting needs for external acknowledgment and recognition vs. his internal need to follow his heart in the form of his "true" work. While others discussed the racism conveyed by the film, I saw this as a backdrop that added complexity and obstacles to the personal journeys these men were on--much like the Holocaust provided the backdrop to Otto Schindler's evolution from a self-centered businessman to an enlightened human being. We all have obstacles to overcome--internal and external--given the genes we inherit, the families we are born into, and the time, place, and often oppressive social norms surrounding us. The ultimate question is how do we cope with the hand we are dealt? This story was first and foremost about Vivien Thomas' journey and his impact on and relationship with those around him as he fought his own internal battle to live authentically and honorably within a society of tightly restricted social and economic roles assigned by social class, ethnicity, and tradition. This movie's dialog was some of the best I've ever heard. One of the most poignant moments comes when the two men are parting. Blalock stops abruptly and makes a short speech, saying that a person has never really lived unless they have regrets. He then says, "I regret.." which had he finished, would have been "on the nose" and far less evocative. Instead, he says simply, "I have regrets." In its brevity, this speech is all the more powerful for what Blalock doesn't say than what he does. We know exactly what he means and what he feels. And we know that Vivien does too. It is also in character with the Blalock we've come to know. This is dialog at its very best. Not only is this dialog good but Rickman's delivery of this speech is next to perfect. We feel what Blalock is at that moment--the intensity of his regret and his feelings for Thomas. There is no emotional wall between actor and audience. Rickman invites us in in a very personal and intense moment. Moments like this fill the film from both actors, and even the supporting cast. Dr. Taussig's (Mary Stuart Masterson's) unveling of Vivien's "likeness" puts us in the audience, feeling the joy she does in being able to acknowledge her colleague. Clara's (Gabrielle Union's) glance at the copy of Life magazine speaks volumes, as does the derision of Thomas and Blalock by Thomas' predecessor following their pioneering surgery. Mos Def's portrayal of the mild-mannered, highly-intelligent, self-effacing, yet driven Thomas made learning of his other talents as a rapper all the more astonishing. What a range this man has! His performance was highly nuanced and intricately textured in rich contrast to Blalock's arrogant and eruptive character. The two actors blended and twisted their personalities together like a windy country road which served to demonstrate how human relationships based on common values and commitments bloom into respect to the point of genuine love--that of cherished friends. And look what that level of relationship was able to achieve! Was there doubt in anyone's mind that Thomas actually came to love Blalock when his footing became unsure after hearing of his colleague's fate or when he thanked his friends who "could not be here" when he finally received his long overdue acknowledgment? The performance of each actor served to enhance the power of the other. What an example of ensemble acting! When acting is this uniformly good, as it was in Robert Redford's "Ordinary People," you can bet it's the result of first-rate directing. Shots are varied and supportive of the story and the director appears to genuinely care about the people whose stories he is telling and treats them with much respect. This voice of respect shone through as a narrator far away in the distance but ever-present. Perhaps that's one of the signs of good directing--truly caring about your characters and the story you're telling. Audiences sense that when it's there. As a boomer around for much of the time during which the story took place and having been in Hopkins and grown up in the DC-Baltimore area, I found the sets and mood established for the place and times to be very authentic. Great job by the set design folks. It is difficult to focus on the lighting because the story is so involving, but the emotional content is frequently enhanced not only by the melodious and also understated score, but by some incredible lighting. If you permit yourself the pleasure of watching this film multiple times, look for it. You'll be rewarded if you do. Editing was tight--almost too tight. I found myself wondering, for example, how and where Vivien got into his bellboy suit and how he could afford to throw it away. The editor discarded any footage that did not contribute directly to the story--thereby, helping to tell it and only it. It's rather astonishing that so much artistic merit could dwell in the heart of such a "small" story not well-known outside of medicine and probably not even outside of cardiology or Hopkins. The fact that it was produced by HBO and not a big-name studio with a big budget, makes its achievements all the more laudable. If you're a movie buff or purist, be sure to latch onto this one. It can be enjoyed many times over!

Excellent movie. Both actors did well. The story is so heart rending but ends well. Another bit of history that we weren't taught as kids in school that is so important.

Great, true story that explains the importance of medical research and how racism has interfered with medical progress.

A wonderful movie great casting and beautifully done

Fantastic movie! Really enjoyed it.

Very moving regarding the discovery of a new medical innovation and the trials to achieve it. How a carpenter with a sharp intellect was able to self learn complex anatomy and surgical skills to accomplish great surgical precision without a medical class. He receives an honarary Doctorate from John Hopkins in celebration of his abilities. Enjoyed this movie immensely.

This is a well acted dramatization of the experience of Viviene Thomas, Alfred Blalock (to a much smaller extent) Helen Taussig who created the Blalock-Taussig shunt which prompted much of the field of open heart surgery. The procedure they developed was for babies with congenital heart defects (CHD), but it ushered in an era of heart surgery that ended up pioneering treatment surgeries for - CHD's now more well-know cousin - acquired heart disease. This was the first step for heart surgery as it was the first step for many of these kids in their treatment of CHD. If you want the real story and not a fictionalized version, I highly recommend Partner's of the Heart. (I like it just a bit better.) American Experience - Partners Of The Heart If you're interested in another compelling story of one of the first surgeons who operated on the INSIDE of the heart, the book King of Hearts is exceptional. King of Hearts: The True Story of the Maverick Who Pioneered Open Heart Surgery American Experience - Partners Of The Heart [...]

Despite all the discrimination Dr. Vivien Thomas beat all the odds and performed the first heart surgery. He's the true definition of a hero.

Absolut genialer Film!!! Alan Rickman brillierte auch in den „unbekannteren“ Filmen Leider nur mehr als Import verfügbar

Súper recomendable para una tarde de películas en casa.

内容に感動しました。新しい技術の発明過程に感動しましたし、アメリカの負の歴史も勉強できてよかったです。

Fantastic

Great movie about unknown part of medical history. Even with the racial unfairness of the times, the story illustrates the importance of this man's contributions. Good acting.