Something the Lord Made

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. This is definitely the case with "Something the Lord Made." I can't wait to do a little reading up on this very intriguing story! Alan Rickman as Alfred Blalock is excellent, as he always is, but the real pleasure is in watching Mos Def as Vivien Thomas. Through his lovely, subtly nuanced performance, we are able to truly appreciate this incredibly gifted and complex man. 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. And yet, there is no heavy-handedness or preachy air to these scenes. The racial injustices that Vivien Thomas endured are obvious, but the viewer is not clubbed over the head with them.

As a fan of Mos Def, as soon as i saw the preview for this movie i knew it would be quality stuff. The tempo and feeling of the movie were perfect, no over the top acting or unnecessary scenes. As someone stated earlier, the racial issues of the time were touched on perfectly but not focused on. Mos is a true renaissance man...he makes good music, plays bass guitar, does Broadway, as well as movies. He is slowly approaching superstar status, but is not chasing it as many do. I think this performance will certainly bring this talented performer the recognition he deserves. The sky is the limit for this guy.

As an African-American screenwriter, it dismays me to always see "films" like soul plane and the like represent black film today. There are so many stories to be told, history and themes to be explored. This film made me proud.

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! 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 got so very interested in the procedures, I had to scour the internet to research the story... This is the first I recall seeing Mos Def. He was so believable...

I saw this movie this morning in my hotel room in Washington, DC. 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. I was so moved by it, that I had to wait a while before I could leave. The tears were just streaming down my face. 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". I almost took that exit, but didn't because I had to get home. But I'm determined to soon make that trip to the University if only to spend a few minutes looking at the portrait of Dr. Thomas. What an incredible story and what an incredible actor Mos is. I do not have HBO at home, so I'm hoping that this movie is released on DVD. If it is, I will be purchasing multiple copies to give as gifts. A wonderful, wonderful story acted out by extremely talented actors.

Definitely, ten stars.

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. Rickman's self-righteous & pompous Dr. Alfred Blaylock compliments greatly Mos Def's quiet, determined, & passive-aggressive role as lab assistant/technician Vivien Thomas.

The two men met at a time when medical science was headed for major discoveries & taking chances was not the order of the day. During the 30's & 40's, America was a different place for people of color in the negative sense & the medical community offered little or no opportunities for non-whites as well. Most people of color worked menial labor jobs liked servants or skilled craftsmen & lived with no luxuries & not much hope for more. Vivien Thomas, a carpenter by trade, stumbles upon a job assisting prominent surgeon & professor Dr. Alfred Blaylock. The snobbish Blaylock working on experiments to cure patients of shock to no avail. Soon, Dr. Blaylock discovers that Vivien is more than just a lowly assistant but a very intelligent young man yearning for a chance to prove himself to the powers that be. Vivien develops new techniques & surgical devices to create a "blue dog" & a way to reverse the condition. Realizing the potential to turn the medical community on its ear, Dr. Blaylock takes Thomas on a long & arduous journey with him through bigotry, scientific discovery, tension between the two men themselves, & successful "blue baby" surgeries. Although Thomas did not receive the notoriety & accolades that usually come with advances in medicine, he carried on for many years working with & teaching doctors his techniques Johns Hopkins. Thomas was elevated to Director of Surgical Services but still had not reached his ultimate goal. Finally after the death of longtime partner & friend Dr. Blaylock, Thomas was awarded an honorary doctorate of medicine by his colleagues & the prestigious Johns Hopkins. After a lifetime of self-sacrifice, determination, & love of medicine, Thomas had arrived & felt the satisfaction he always wanted; Vivien Thomas was now a face in the medical community that had shunned him for so long.

"Something the Lord Made" is a feast for the heart & the mind. All those who view this movie will walk away with better appreciation for those individuals who made the ultimate sacrifices in their own lives to change our existence for the positive. Rickman & Mos Def play off each other brilliantly & make you believe. Rickman always gives you everything called for in a role & does not disappoint in this film. I was most impressed with Mos Def's performance & gained a newfound respect for this young actor.

If you are not "moved" by this film, you'd better check your pulse. Your heart may need some fixin'!!!