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Learning How to Play the Game of Football, and of Life

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Learning How to Play the Game of Football, and of Life Learning how to play the game of football, and of life. ohn Lee Hancock’s The Blind Side definitely The first healing steps we lives up to its name by giving its viewers plen- hear are from Leigh Ann Tuohy ty of surprise. Who would have thought that (Sandra Bullock). Her powerful one simple act of “Christian Charity,” as our and authoritative high heels land J on the pavement, in rhythm to actors numerously display, would really lead to chang- her high-class strut, rushed be- ing the lives of all those involved, for the better, forev- cause of the cold drizzling drain. er? She approaches Michael Oher (Quinton Aaron) whom everyone Don’t be fooled by the movie cover or trailers dis- refers to as “Big Mike.” This nick- playing football plays, this is not your run-of-the-mill name is no exaggeration. Even sports show. But don’t be worried if you were looking though hunched in on himself, forward to a good Football movie either. This award- one arm clutching a plastic sack winning favorite is dynamic enough to please both containing the remnants of his crowds. Its powerful characters are matched only by wardrobe, the other holding onto himself in effort to stave off the it’s even more powerful story. The use of humor as cold, does not do anything to well as emotion will draw the viewer in, leaving them make Michael look any smaller. cheering, leaving them inspired, and leaving them The boy is massive, though not healed, if not on the path way to be. intimidating. In fact, “intimidated” would be the better adjective. But who wouldn’t be when approached by Leigh Ann? A Film Review THE BLIND SIDE by Cara Crystal She demands to know good deeds. After giving him a nights rest, Leigh where Michael is going Ann decides he should stay for Thanksgiving din- on this cold night. Big ner. Later Leigh Ann asks “Do you like to shop? Mike eventually, obe- ‘Cause I think I’m gonna have to show you how it’s diently, makes known done.” South- that he has nowhere to ern drawl in- go. And with that, cluded. New Leigh Ann makes final clothes turn decision. He is spend- into new ing the night with books, new Wandering “The Projects” them. And, like with backpack, new every other decision bed, and a new family. Leigh Ann makes, that’s that. A Thanksgiving full of gratitude Michael is no stranger to odd sleeping ar- The blind rangements; a neighbor’s couch here, an old sides do not end there. Nor do the surprises and friend’s house there. What catches Michael off obstacles to overcome. Though their story line may guard is the one-night bed unfolds into a series of consist of hardships, our actors portray their char- acters with astounding ease. Sandra Bullock’s per- formance has captivated, and continues to capti- THE BLIND SIDE vate, audience members using her spot -on atti- tude. With her strong authoritative composure, UP FOR REVIEW her touching, yet stern, shows of emotion, and her Award Category Nominee Result Academy Award Performance by an Actress in Sandra Bullock Won a Leading Role Best Picture Film Nominated Critics Choice Award Best Actress Sandra Bullock Won (tied) ESPY Awards Best Sports Movie Film Won Golden Globe Best Actress—Motion Picture Sandra Bullock Won Drama Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Favorite Movie Actress Sandra Bullock Nominated Awards Screen Actors Guild Award Outstanding Performance by Sandra Bullock Won a Female Actor in a Leading Role People's Choice award Favorite Movie actress Sandra Bullock Won Washington D. C. Area Film Best actress Sandra Bullock Won Critics association award Teen Choice award Favorite Drama Movie Film Won Movie Actress—Drama Sandra Bullock Won Breakout Male Actor Quinton Aaron Nominated decided air on issues, a character comes together to tell the adaptation of an un- forgettable woman and her extraordinary life. A life made only more remarkable by all the players involved. Bullock won and was nominated for Best Actress and Best Lead Role for multiple awards in favor of this film. Bullock does not stand alone for titles however; the film itself won Best Sports Movie from ESPY Awards and Favorite Drama Movie from the Teen Choice Awards. This is just another witness to any skeptic who thinks this film won’t satisfy a variety of audiences. On the contrary, it pleases numerous crowds. Of course, there are always those who attack movies based on a true story from being too disjointed from the actual life events. Artists are known to take creative liberty, which is why the words “based on a true story” and not “a biographical work” appear in the advertisements. When critics harass the film this way, John Lee Hancock, the director, gives the rebuttal. When describing how he directed and wrote The Alamo in 2004, he said Try telling them he doesn’t “The Blind Side belong knows its football, “If everyone in Texas made his or her own Alamo, there would but it’s even smart- be that many different versions of the story. It's like somebody er about the price- making a movie about my mother: I'd want the facts to be less thing known as right, but I'd want it to be shiny in some places and dull in family.” others. I'd be protective. I hope everyone who sees the movie - Richard Roeper, will understand that our hearts are in the right place.” CHICAGO SUN-TIMES Though the quote is originally for another of his great works, the logic and spirit of the words hold true. Just like in Han- cock’s other films such as The Rookie and My Dog Skip to name a couple, his goal is to highlight certain aspects. The prevailing theme in this story teaches that it is the twists and unexpected turns in life that leave us all just a little bit blind- sided. MICHAEL OHER IN RECENT SIGHTING Michael Oher and the Baltimore Ravens played their way to victory during the Super Bowl XLVII, held in New Orleans. After a 30 minute power out- age that struck the stadium following Beyoncé's half-time show, the Ravens conquered the San Francisco 49ers 34 - 31. THE TECHNICAL REVIEW Lighting Effects The best use of lighting found throughout the film is when Michael and Steven are playing basketball during their first visit to Wingate Christian School. The Background is lit-up and in full sun, but the players on the court are under a pavilion-type roof, and therefore have no detail or color. The black shadows dodge, weave, and do lay-ups on the court. Just like the Coach staring at these two through the window, the audience watches in amazement as the strangers make lay-up after lay-up. The darkness and inability to see Michael parallels the fact that the audience knows nothing about him. All they see is an outline, giving them a feeling of mystery and incomprehensible awe at the boy’s ability. In contrast to the dark and hidden figures on the court, the two standing in the investigation room while Michael is being questioned about his circum- stances have nowhere to hide. The room is fully open and bright thanks to the numerous windows. This gives us the feeling that everything is open and ex- posed; no concealment possible. Shot and Shot Relations The Montage; film uses this to show and exemplify what features and characteristics make the ideal Left Tackle. The montage goes over shots and im- ages of players who posses these qualities by giving us quick demonstrations and packing in as much information as possible. By the end, it is understood what we should be looking for, without having to take too much screen time and risk los- ing the audience’s attention. The Reaction Shot; while Tony is talking to the Coach of Wingate Chris- tian School, he eventually makes it known that there are 2 boys for which he is petitioning to get enrolled. The classic “chuckle” at nothing funny and the coach rubbing his hand over his eyes shows the slight annoyance at the unexpected sur- prise. The audience gets a feel for the Coach’s predicament. He doesn’t want to Summer Training, another rudely shut Tony down, but there is not much he can do. The decision ultimately isn’t his to make. use of montage The Zoom Shot; the camera gets closer and closer to Michael as it jumps between scenes of his hard past, being torn away from his mother, and his cur- rent situation, walking alone down the streets of the rundown “Projects”. This shows the importance of Michael Oher, and lets the viewer know they will inevi- tably fall in love with this pain-stricken figure. Film Editing Techniques Swipe; during the above mentioned montage, the camera shot swipes from one image to another. The mood is fast, clear, and well defined, letting the audience knows it is time to get down to business. Fade; after giving this list of specifics to the audience, these images fade out of view and Michael comes into focus. The audience is implicitly told that the perfect specimen that they have been told to look for is right before their eyes. Again the viewers get a sense of awe from Michael, they can tell he is special, the specifics as to why will shortly be revealed. Uses of Color Michael, A very sneaky trick is used at the beginning of the film with the color before of Michael’s shirt.
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