One-line Summary:
Something the Lord Made is a powerful and moving film directed by Joseph Sargent. It tells the true story of the unlikely partnership between two medical pioneers, Dr. Alfred Blalock and Vivien Thomas, as they work together to revolutionize heart surgery and save countless lives.
Main Cast and Crew:
- Director: Joseph Sargent
- Writer: Peter Silverman, Robert Caswell
- Key Actors: Alan Rickman as Dr. Alfred Blalock, Mos Def as Vivien Thomas
- Music Director: Christopher Young
- Director of Photography: Donald M. Morgan
- Producers: Mike Drake, Robert W. Cort, Eric Hetzel
Plot:
The film is set in the 1930s and follows the journey of Vivien Thomas, an African-American carpenter with a passion for medicine. Despite his lack of formal education, Thomas is hired as a lab assistant by Dr. Alfred Blalock, a renowned surgeon at Johns Hopkins University. Blalock recognizes Thomas’s exceptional talent and intellect, and the two form an unlikely partnership.
Together, they embark on groundbreaking research to find a solution for “blue baby syndrome,” a condition that causes infants to have inadequate oxygen supply. With limited resources and facing racial discrimination, Blalock and Thomas work tirelessly to develop a surgical technique that will save these babies’ lives.
Their collaboration leads to the creation of the Blalock-Taussig shunt, a procedure that allows blood to flow properly in infants with heart defects. Despite their success, Thomas faces numerous challenges, including being denied recognition for his contributions due to racial prejudice.
The film also explores the personal lives of Blalock and Thomas. Blalock’s dedication to his work often strains his relationship with his wife, Mary, while Thomas struggles to balance his career aspirations with his responsibilities as a husband and father.
Themes and Motifs:
Something the Lord Made delves into themes of perseverance, friendship, and the impact of racial discrimination on scientific progress. The film highlights the importance of collaboration and the ability to overcome adversity in the pursuit of groundbreaking medical advancements.
It also explores the complex dynamics between mentor and mentee, as well as the sacrifices made in the pursuit of scientific discovery. The film’s title itself is a motif that reflects the characters’ belief in the divine inspiration behind their work.
Reception and Legacy:
Upon its release, Something the Lord Made received critical acclaim for its powerful performances and compelling storytelling. The film was nominated for numerous awards, including several Primetime Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe for Best Miniseries or Television Film.
The movie’s legacy lies in its portrayal of the remarkable true story of Dr. Alfred Blalock and Vivien Thomas. Their groundbreaking work paved the way for modern heart surgery techniques and saved countless lives. The film serves as a tribute to their contributions and sheds light on the often overlooked role of Thomas, an African-American pioneer in the field of medicine.
Recommendation:
Something the Lord Made is a must-watch film for those interested in medical history, inspiring true stories, and the triumph of the human spirit. The exceptional performances by Alan Rickman and Mos Def bring the characters to life, while the film’s emotional depth and historical accuracy make it a compelling and thought-provoking experience.
Memorable Quote:
“You’re the best surgical technician I’ve ever seen, Vivien. You’re better than most of the doctors I know.” – Dr. Alfred Blalock
