“Uncle Will says that the Lord made a white man from dust, a n—– from mud, and then threw what was left and it came down a Chinaman. It did not show enough scientific work or enough detail for what he did. “Something the Lord made” do has its own purpose like others do. Alfred was a strange character who did not follow standard social conventions. That's a huge accomplishment, but only a portion of the story. As Christians, we are very concerned about this because we believe that all people are made in the image of God and therefore deserve dignity, respect, and fair treatment regardless of ethnicity. This is definitely the case with "Something the Lord Made." It seems that there has been a resurgence of racism in the United States. As a fan of Mos Def, as soon as i saw the preview for this movie i knew it would be quality stuff. Something the Lord Made. I'm not quite sure why it was only made for TV, i guess because it's not garbage like most of what is out there at 9 dollars a ticket! I was packing to go home as it was on and just a few minutes into it, I had to stop and just sit and watch. Alan Rickman is brilliant (as I would expect) I think perhaps one of his best roles. Thomas has determination, his coworker did not. Something the Lord Made ( 2,030 ) IMDb 8.2 1 h 50 min 2004 16+ Fact-based story of a white surgeon and a black lab technician who revolutionized heart surgery amidst the racial injustice of … So he welcomed Gentiles. What an understated overwhelming story...told in a poignant fashion over the background of the Depression, WW II, and the history of modern surgery!! I actually avoided this movie for awhile..my mistake..It was so exhilarating...the characters were so real....and it reveals the true state of racial bias in the thirties/forties without harping...the real story is about the relationship between two very diverse people who shared a common dream....excellent performances by Richman and Def! Heck, I don't even like Barbara Streisand, in either discipline. So much so that I didn't even watch the premiere. Something the Lord Made. Lord Kilclooney has been accused of racism for describing vice president-elect Kamala Harris solely as "the Indian". While other reviews focus on the content and plot of the film, I'd like to address the film-making. Even though many Christians recognize racism as a sin, we do not name the exact nature of the sin. One might say that I have aspbergers. I have seen this movie at least 8 times since it first appeared last summer and never tire of it. Does existence of a human being inflict life upon it? Blalok said that he would make the baby how it should be. I didn't know exactly what to expect when I began watching this movie. The priest then consulted Blalok, who was to perform the operation. And religion and science and questioning Gods assumed will. In 1930, the skilled carpenter Vivien Thomas (Yasiin Bey) loses his job and is hired by the arrogant Dr. Alfred Blalock (Alan Rickman) as a janitor in Vanderbilt. Protest laments sharply question God’s inaction, as in Psalm 10: “Why, O Lord, do you stand far off? Which is charged with implementing the pastoral letter. Something the Lord Made is a story about the development and incredible miracle of the Blue Baby procedure. 22. As you study your scriptures during the next six months, I encourage you to make a list of all that the Lord has promised He will do for covenant Israel. STEP 7: VRIO Analysis of Something The Lord Made: Vrio analysis for Something The Lord Made case study identified the four main attributes which helps the organization to gain a competitive advantages. Even if you do not have a medical background, it is worth seeing for the genius and compassion of those two men who did not allow the racial climate of the times to overpower their desire to make a difference. This is absolutely one of the most inspirational movies I've ever seen. Does he ever get. We should all feel we can accomplish greatly, and without resorting to destructive acts or words, when seeing the manner with which this class-act man performed. Blalok's colleagues, in addition, believed it impossible to perform open heart surgery. The movie is based upon how Vivien Thomas, a young black lab technician, and Dr. Alfred Blalock, a wealthy white physician, are brought together in friendship and medical research of a procedure to save cyanosis, bluish skin, children. The white people should have been behaving barbaric to the African Americans. Drama. Will time correct this omission? His achievements, out of his background and lack of opportunities, made me feel that I should have been able to do much more than I have, given how much more was just handed to me. A characteristic of this is me having insetivities towards others, or not being sensitive to what others are. Alan Rickman and Mos Def star in this 'HBO Films' drama. It was still a great movie. Everything excellent about filmmaking can be found in this superb production. Or some racist thing. The tempo and feeling of the movie were perfect, no over the top acting or unnecessary scenes. My vote is eight. And religion and science and questioning Gods assumed will. I highly recommend this movie. The HBO description sounded like a good story, so I gave it a chance... Just about everything HBO Films produces is excellent, but this film rises into the higher levels of the stratosphere. 9] Vivian had a good relationship with his mentor, Alfred, and his wife. Rickman & Mos Def make a good combo in "Something the Lord Made". "It feels like something the Lord made" is said once, to describe how well done a specific procedure had been done. Alfred was a strange character who did not follow standard social conventions. | The conclusion of this true story is gratifying and moving. Representing the old and the bridge to the next generation of doctors and physicians. I am amazed by the genius of Vivien Thomas (or anyone without medical training who could understand as he did) and at the fact that Doctor Blalock accepted him as an individual (most of the time), without regard to his race or lack of medical education. Those issues included racial discrimination, extraordinary partnership between a white man and a black man, and perseverance in chasing one’s dream. But Queen Latifa did very well in "Bone Collector" and LL Cool J didn't quite ruin "Deliver Us From Eva." IF Alan Rickman wasn't enough to draw me into this movie, the fact that the producers were NOT going to give us a hero movie, showing no imperfections of the real people portrayed would have made me buy it. But soon Vivien is promoted to lab technician due to his skills. When the internal despair related to racism erupts in anger and protest, lament provides a channel for that as well. This movie includes obvious racism and discrimination. Coun 100 provides students with the skills needed for success in college and covers information about: 1] college/university systems, 2] goal setting, 3] educational planning, 4] study skills, 5] health maintenance, 6] stress management, 7] learning styles, 8] college resources, 9] relationships, and 10] cultural diversity. The Lord has pledged that He will “fight [our] battles, and [our] children’s battles, and our children’s children’s [battles] … to the third and fourth generation”! The “eureka’s” and epiphanies would be less impacting in real life, when they happened in the '30s. ET), is further proof that HBO is fast becoming what … The Bible tells us God hates it and so should we. The Bible is abundantly clear that any racism, and any kind of prejudicial discrimination, against people is sin. Start studying LEAD 101 Something the Lord Made. I saw this movie this morning in my hotel room in Washington, DC. "Something the Lord Made" is a wonderful film that discloses the story of the first bypass surgery. Alfred used the people he knew to work around the racist hospital system. Feed Me The Word Today brings anointed Sermons (plus Audio and Video) from various Ministers of the Gospel from around the world to you to prepare you for Christ’s second coming. Whether it be comedy, horror, or a serious role, Alan Rickman has always added to the movies he stars in. The performances of both Alan Rickman & rapper Mos Def shine brightly in this film of racism, perseverance, & the pursuit of advancements in medical science/surgery. I have had this movie TIVOed for several months now and just got around to seeing it. Toward that end, the movie accurately depicted Thomas and Blalock experimenting on dogs. He made the viewer feel as if they were there, such great emotion. This was one awe inspiring movie. What a beautiful film! I'm a physician who has been involved with children with congenital heart disease, including "blue babies." This movie was heartwarming, inspiring, touching. I give it a 10! God made the races different. Dr. Alfred Blalock(Alan Rickman) is a fine, yet harried surgeon who takes an African-American maintenance worker as a lab technician. College success utilizes the college system and knowing how to use it. The amazing genius and operative dexterity of surgical research phenomenon Vivian Thomas, and his focus on, love for, and persistence with his work against seemingly unscale-able obstacles, in superbly portrayed by Mos Def. Two men--one a wealthy white chief surgeon, the other a poor black lab technician--achieve a monumental medical breakthrough that earned one accolades...and the other a painful lesson in racism and unequal opportunity in 1940s Baltimore. The story line was great - The life and times of one of the greatest surgeons the United States has ever produced (Alfred Blalock), played by Alan Rickman, along with his lab assistant Vivien Thomas, played by Mos Def. If you are interested in medicine, and the development of new procedures that change lives, especially of the very, very young, then this is a movie for you. I do not have HBO at home, so I'm hoping that this movie is released on DVD. There was not enough segregation (for the time). 2] Vivian set a goal of becoming a doctor. Both have spots in this movie, as students of Dr. Blalock. It touched some sensitive issues at that time. The names of the residents in this film are names I have heard throughout my career. (That's left for the viewer to examine and judge internally for his or her self.) Because of their work with "Blue Babies", they both have achieved immortality. Great movies are made by studios or independents, not networks. It's gratifying to know that I'm not the only one who was surprisingly moved by this story. Vivien expects to join the medical school but his savings are lost in the Great Depression. Vivian had to clock in in the black workers entrance to go into the building. Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?” and Psalm 6: “My soul is struck with terror, while you, O Lord—how long?” I mean not a realistic amount of segregation for the '30s. There are so many layers in this film and the relationship between the two main characters was wonderful. Furthermore, God made humans in his own image. Vivian Thomas was accustomed to people following lower social conventions, but might have been disappointed by Alfred doing this. But, Vivian did work hard. He succeeded by persevering, working around the problems that were presented, and by going out of his way to be around any opportunity that was given. Too much success was shown. I haven't seen this movie since I was in high school and it was a nice trip on memory lane. All races. God wants us to feed His flock that is why Feed Me The Word Today has made it her duty to bring the gospel of Christ across to the world. 19. Something the Lord Made is a 2004 American made-for-television biographical drama film about the black cardiac pioneer Vivien Thomas (1910–1985) and his complex and volatile partnership with white surgeon Alfred Blalock (1899–1964), the "Blue Baby doctor" who pioneered modern heart surgery. There was no medical procedure, but there was probably reason for that. He did not have enough money to eat balanced foods. Granted, it has its fair share of "cheesy" devices and predictability, but then again, so does "King Lear." The movie correlates to college success only slightly because all the hard work that Vivian accomplished was not shown. Is life that which thrives through our veins and keeps our senses alive? The race gap closes there. More generally, it shows the segregation of women and blacks from white men. User Ratings Together, these two completely different actors portray their roles with brilliant ease. He did not know what a level three worker was, but found out was angered by it. When parents were deciding on whether to allow surgery on their six month old child, they had to talk between themselves along with asking their local preacher. Dr. Blalock calls him up and helps him with a rather difficult heart surgery. Something the Lord Made, a new made-for-TV movie that premieres Sunday night on HBO (9 p.m. I watched it by chance because I saw Mos Def's name and I know his work from the Chappelle Show and The Italian Job, so I just wanted to see what his role was in this. If it is, I will be purchasing multiple copies to give as gifts. Or if this is still applicable, "go back to your country", you should still be slaves, I’m better than you, blacks aren’t allowed here. Trust builds up between the two, and his other coworker laughs at his attempts to do better. Something the Lord Made For 30 points Extra Credit, answer these questions on on a sheet of paper. Something the Lord Made shows what a black man could achieve by trying, and what racism was like in the 30s'. I can only hope it will be available on DVD soon, if not yet. I was in the part of the class that watched the whole movie. Well, he really pulled out his acting chops for this one. Something for the protagonists to fight. The director expects the audience to assume Vivian is a genius, instead of expecting proof. Blalock & Taussig, whose ingenious procedure is used to convey the aspects of this film (Blalock-Taussig Shunt), were two of my 'heros.' Through his lovely, subtly nuanced performance, we are able to truly appreciate this incredibly gifted and complex man. Vivian's brother/uncle should not have won his teaching court case. The director expects the audience to assume Vivian is a genius, instead of expecting proof. James, the brother of Jesus, labels racism and other -isms as sins of “partiality.” The opening verses of James 2 explain how the sin of partiality works, especially in regard to… Something the Lord Made was a great movie. So do I. Can someone explain to me how life is created? 5 Stars! ‎Watch trailers, read customer and critic reviews, and buy Something the Lord Made directed by Joseph Sargent for $9.99. Racism has no place in the Church or in society. He made me eat those words though, by delivering a simply OUTSTANDING performance... and while he and Rickman really carry the film, the supporting cast does a nice job as well. The tears were just streaming down my face. Mos is a true renaissance man...he makes good music, plays bass guitar, does Broadway, as well as movies. Vivian got less pay for being black. “To let them know there is something been made, and we don’t want this ever to happen again. 8] There were no college resources for Vivian to use. NEW YORK (AP) _ Harry Truman, who made civil rights a federal priority for the first time since Reconstruction, expressed strong racist sentiments before, during and after his presidency, a historian said Thursday. Vivian Thomas was accustomed to people following lower social conventions, but might have been disappointed by Alfred doing this. Orcs are not a colonialist trope. Although Truman toned down his racist expressions after entering the White House, he continued to use racial slurs in private conversation for the rest of his life, … | I shouldn't have liked this - not a fan of HBO 'original' movies, nor rap stars turned actors. The author of this theory suggests that firm must be valuable, rare, imperfectly imitable and perfectly non sustainable. 3] Vivian did not plan any education. I thought to myself, 'Why not? We lost two very gifted men who did an exceptional job of training others to follow in their footsteps. I had always dismissed him as a 'hip-hop/rapper-actor' wannabe. Vivien Thomas(Mos Def) is a carpenter, who wants to get into the medical field. Later, as I was driving home, I passed an exit on the highway that indicated it was the road that eventually led to "Johns Hopkins University". 4] Vivian studied by practicing and reading. But Mos Def, whom I had never seen before, really blew me away with his nuanced performance of Vivien Thomas. The mood of everyone should have been more depressing. Something the Lord Made follows the journey of Vivian Thomas from being a carpenter to teaching heart surgery in John Hopkins University. The story is one of the most compelling pieces of drama one could ever ask for. Vivien Theodore Thomas (August 29, 1910 – November 26, 1985) was an American laboratory supervisor who developed a procedure used to treat blue baby syndrome (now known as cyanotic heart disease) in the 1940s. Emotional, fact-based drama of revolution and racism about a wealthy white surgeon and a poor black lab tech who work together to achieve a medical br Here is a comparison as follows: 1] Vivian did not know much about the college/university system. Vivian could not be paged in the hospital because he was black. A characteristic of this is me having insetivities towards others, or not being sensitive to what others are. I think this performance will certainly bring this talented performer the recognition he deserves. $2.99 Rent. They had been working on the pastoral letter for the past two years but the March on Charlottesville made them realize that they wanted to do something further, so they established the Ad Hoc Committee Against Racism. But the movie didn't just show Vivien Thomas the "lab technician", it went into Vivien Thomas' struggle as a black man in an all white environment of Johns Hopkins, and it showed his relationship with his family and his colleague Dr. Blaylock (Alan Rickman), which was just as important as showing his contribution to medical science. Certain school districts in states such as Texas, Arizona, and Florida have banned the book because of claims that the book has racism, sex, violence, obscene language, and statements that insult God, women, and minorities throughout it. Vivian Thomas was a black man living in a time of great prejudice in our country. More generally, it shows the segregation of women and blacks from white men. A dramatization of the relationship between heart surgery … Vivian could not be paged in the hospital because he was black. The writers did an excellent job of making the viewer aware of the racial climate in Viven Thomas' life; note the early scene in which Vivien and a friend are walking and talking, and each time some white people approach them on the sidewalk, they step aside and yield right of way without hesitation. All demographics. Near the end of the movie, when Vivian was brought in to perform surgery on the couple's blue-baby daughter, the parents glared at him possibly thinking "my child is going to die now" or don’t put my daughters safety in a n-'s hands. Well, needless to say I was moved. Alan Rickman has always been a favorite actor of mine, but I have seen him get a little "lazy" from time to time. The movie's pacing, dialogue, and mixture of medical science, surgical "drama", and harsh reality of the times was excellent. Something the Lord Made shows what a black man could achieve by trying, and what racism was like in the 30s'. Learn vocabulary, terms, and more with flashcards, games, and other study tools. If anyone has studied medical history, we are perhaps more familiar with the work of Denton Cooley and William Longmire. Something the Lord Made is a story about the development and incredible miracle of the Blue Baby procedure. SEE (actually FEEL) THIS MOVIE!! Most of the movie covers when Vivian was practicing heart surgery with Alfred. Alan Rickman as Alfred Blalock is excellent, as he always is, but the real pleasure is in watching Mos Def as Vivien Thomas. If it hadn't been for those two men, history wouldn't have been made. He was very intelligent and skilled in the field of medicine and was an asset to the scientists and doctors trying to find a cure for the “blue baby” syndrome. Metacritic Reviews. Stream Something the Lord Made (HBO) on HBO Max. The movie was too melodramatic. Dr. Blalock moves to the Johns Hopkins University and brings Vivien with him. That realization is showed well with this. The movie was about an African-American man named Vivien Thomas (Mos Def) who, in the 1940's & 50's, made a huge contribution to the medical field. He attempted to manage the stress with his hope of making more money in the future. Alan … The movie made success look easier than it is. The movie is based upon how Vivien Thomas, a young black lab technician, and Dr. Alfred Blalock, a wealthy white physician, are brought together in friendship and medical research of a procedure to save cyanosis, bluish skin, children. This movie will move you, regardless of who you are. Nobody wants to see science in movies. It mostly shows the action packed part of his life. The sky is the limit for this guy. It was the great depression for Christ’s sake. The rating of "R" stems only from the sometimes strong (but very real) language. And his work led him to become a teacher at John Hopkins, after 30 years of working hard. The actors were well chosen though Vivian Thomas did well. It was skipped and only results of the work were showed. medical miracle surpasses racial climate of the times, Among the Most Inspirational Movies Ever Made. The situation of Vivien Thomas is heartbreaking, in a period of great racism in the United States of America. An excellent movie about the life of Vivien Thomas an a how a chance job encounter with Dr. Alfred Blalock turned in to the opportunity to change the world of medicine. Lord of the Flies has been challenged and banned by many different groups and people throughout the years. Here we got two men who made history together, despite the times of segregation, and racial inequality. The movie made success look easier than it is. I had known only a tiny part of the story before the movie: that a white surgeon and a black technician developed the process that could save "blue babies." FAQ Calling that ‘racism’ is like calling the depiction of aliens in Independence Day or the Alien franchise racist. Sometimes it just feels good to be part of the world... why was this a made for TV movie.. it's great! He did not give up on becoming one. But it wasn't realistic enough for me (for the time). When they talk to the priest, they ask their minister if God wanted the baby to die. All classes, All castes. 2004 109 minutes. Along the years, they develop the bypass surgery using dogs as guinea pigs. not show enough scientific work or enough detail for what he did. At first seeing the previews for Something the Lord Made I did not think that this would turn out to be such a wonderful film. had to talk between themselves along with. HBO's lack of luster in the previews did not do the film justice, after the first 5 minutes I was absolutely hooked. I must add that my entire adult working life has been in the field of medicine so maybe I have more interest than some. Rickman's self-righteous & pompous Dr. Alfred Blaylock compliments greatly Mos Def's quiet, determined, & passive-aggressive role as lab assistant/technician Vivien Thomas. It was skipped and only results of the work were showed. They are a fiction trope. Mos Def did a brilliant job as did Alan Rickman. Another HBO original film that is worth calling good. This is a heartfelt, emotional, and inspiring film filled with performances of the like. Anyway a must see for those that can catch it on cable, I suggest you tivo it! Tom Brook reports. Or if this is still applicable, "go back to your country", you should still be slaves, I’m better than you, blacks aren’t allowed here. He does hate Chinese and Japs. I can't wait to do a little reading up on this very intriguing story! how does movie correlate to college success. The priest advised not to question Gods will or to alter Gods work. The racial injustices that Vivien Thomas endured are obvious, but the viewer is not clubbed over the head with them. This film probably has one of Mos Def's best performances as the understated black doctor Vivien Thomas. Great actors come from the world of acting; not singing, painting or sports. Recent Black Lives Matter protests in London. Add to Wishlist. Alan Rickman is one of the all time under appreciated actors in Hollywood. As someone stated earlier, the racial issues of the time were touched on perfectly but not focused on. Once again, the science scenes were not scientific enough. 18 June 2020 by Michael Paulin. With Alan Rickman, Yasiin Bey, Kyra Sedgwick, Gabrielle Union. He is strong and silent to hide back his true emotions. A close friend of mine been there, where they were honored. Medical history, black history --you name it --this film has it, and weaves a fact-based plot equal to any docu-drama ever made. $9.99 Buy. One of the earmarks of a great true story on film is that, when it's over, you find yourself wishing it had been longer and wanting to know more about the subject. But it’s not true. That gives him the edge. This is a documentary type movie that tells the story of heart surgery. Emotional, fact-based drama of revolution and racism about a wealthy white surgeon and a poor black lab tech who work together to achieve a medical breakthrough. Vivian was only shown reading books, picking up glass tubes with forceps, and cutting animals open. there must be some reason they replaced 'The Sopranos' that week'. He was the assistant to surgeon Alfred Blalock in Blalock's experimental animal laboratory at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee, and later at the … Drs. Directed by Joseph Sargent. 7] The only learning style Vivian used to was hands on. He just practiced surgery with Alfred. Those half glared at Vivian whenever he passed by possibly thinking "he shouldn’t be here". The two of them together created the type of chemistry on screen one can only imagine must have existed between the men they portrayed. More examples of racism are: after Vivian and Alfred successfully performed the operation, Alfred is walking past rooms where his colleagues were and heard them saying "why was the n- with him" There were colored bathrooms. I cannot think of actors who would have done a better job than Alan Rickman or Mos Def and I applaud them, and the rest of the cast, as well as the producers, for bringing this wonderful story to life. In Something the Lord Made, Rickman is the backbone of the movie. Being the second half of the story, the weight of the film falls on his shoulders almost as much as it does for Rickman. Title (Brazil): "Quase Deuses" ("Near Gods") I wasn't expecting a story this powerful. External Reviews Mos Def is surprisingly just as good as Rickman. Maybe half the white people were bigots. 10] There was cultural diversity, however many of the people around him were racist. The Bible condemns racism as sin, and therefore we must stand against it, and must warn people of organizations … The depiction of the incredible bravery of Blalock, Taussig, and Thomas, who were embarking on not just uncharted, but forbidden surgical waters, warned that if such an "adventure" went awry, they'd be "on their own", made me feel timid and lacking in fortitude, by comparison. He is slowly approaching superstar status, but is not chasing it as many do. The ending was a little heart-wrenching, yet motivational at the same time. Racism and the Rule of Law. After practicing surgery, he was not able to transfer directly into medical school and got mad at the university recruiter. What an incredible story and what an incredible actor Mos is. But he had an intelligent mentor. Blalok understan what the priest was concerned about and addressed this by showing an alternative perspective. This movie, "Something the Lord Has Made" is really a movie that touched many others. Lord Kilclooney has been accused of racism for describing US vice president-elect Kamala Harris solely as “the Indian”. A strong and at times compelling true story of how a relationship between these two men changed the world of medicine. God wants us to learn how to fix the problem. Meaning: do not touch, or do not touch the heart. I was moved by the movie, the acting, the directing, and mostly by the true historic nature of the movie. Wow, Something the Lord Made was a great movie to revisit. The movie correlates to college success only slightly because all the hard work that Vivian accomplished was not shown. | The movie was a little too slow and long. | A century later it’s regarded as a landmark in cinema history – and terribly bigoted. Determination was a main factor for both of these men. Another doctor saw his work, and requests him to help him with the surgery. Vivian Thomas and Alfred Blalok went against did what the scientific medical field thought was impossible,: surgery on the heart. The acting was superb. To all the residents who learned at Hopkins from these two gifted men, be forever grateful that their lives touched yours, albeit briefly.