Number 587 on the top 1000 films of all time is the 2009 sports drama 'The Blind Side.'
Based on a true story, the Blind Side follows Michael Oher (Quinton Aaron) - a quiet, timid African-American from a dysfunctional background. With next to no prospects or family, he is taken in by the Tuohy family led by matriarch Leigh-Anne (Sandra Bullock) who nurtures him into becoming a star quarterback in American football.
The Blind Side has received its fair share of backlash. Least of all from the real-life Michael Oher. He recently claimed that rather than being adopted by the Tuohys as the film claims, they actually tricked him into signing a conservatorship meaning that the Tuohys rather than him received the residuals from this film.
This is irrelevant to the Blind Side as a film. What is relevant is Michael Oher's further criticism. In his 2012 autobiography, he criticises how the film portrays him as a simpleton. I don't know the true story, but I would agree with this characterisation. It did seem overly-simplistic. Michael Oher is from the ghetto. It seems unlikely that such a quiet, docile man could come from such a tough environment, although not impossible.
It seemed like a borderline caricature. I'm surprised that the film-makers didn't go so far as to give him a hick, country accent. And I think it would have been more interesting to see some hardcase ghetto kid soften up as he realises the opportunities that are available to him.
This was a shame, because otherwise I did enjoy the Blind Side. Jae Head was a highlight as SJ - the youngest child of the Tuohy's family. And despite being in a supporting role, Kathy Bates shone as always. Although the film centred on American Football, it was still accessible to a Brit like me. Sandra Bullock won the Best Actress Oscar. She did well and I certainly don't think she should have to return it like some say. She's an actress playing a part. She didn't know about any of this controversy when she took on the role.
It was just disappointing that the Blind Sale could falter so much in its portrayal of its central character.
I thought Sandra Bullock was excellent in an otherwise predictable film. Hollywood always seems to boast of its liberal credentials. What good guys are we. Yuk. Plus American Football is a complete mystery to me.
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