The fascinating realm of Hollywood’s influence on storytelling and the financial gains it can generate at the expense of real-life individuals. More specifically, we focus on the thought-provoking case of Michael Oher, portrayed in the film ” The Blind Side. ” While the movie gained popularity and success, it is important to critically analyze the impact it had on Oher’s life and question the fairness of Hollywood’s profit-driven motives.
Hollywood, as a storytelling medium, has a unique ability to captivate audiences, using emotional narratives combined with skillful film-making techniques. However, it is important to recognize that the essence of storytelling is often adapted to fit the demands of the industry, which can sometimes overshadow reality in pursuit of commercial success.
Michael Oher, the subject of “The Blind Side,” was a talented football player who rose from a challenging background to achieve success in the sport. However, the film’s portrayal of Oher’s journey fails to capture the full complexity of his life, presenting a romanticized version with a simplified narrative.
When analyzing the Hollywood adaptation of Oher’s story, it becomes obvious that certain elements were embellished to heighten the emotional appeal and generate profits. The film’s focus on the white protagonist, Leigh Anne Tuohy, at times unfairly sidelines Oher’s agency and resilience.
While “The Blind Side” grossed millions at the box office, Oher did not directly benefit from this success. Hollywood’s prioritization of profits often results in the real-life individuals portrayed being overshadowed and financially unrewarded. This raises important questions about the ethics and social responsibility of the industry.
“Everybody should be mad at the Hollywood studio system,” Lewis told the Washington Post. “Michael Oher should join the writers’ strike. It’s outrageous how Hollywood accounting works, but the money is not in the Tuohys’ pockets.”
Hollywood wields significant cultural influence, shaping societal perspectives on various topics. In the case of Michael Oher, the portrayal of his story has inadvertently perpetuated stereotypes and skewed public perception. This unfortunate consequence highlights the need for responsible storytelling and fair representation in the film industry.
Michael Lewis also said he is struggling to understand why Oher has made these allegations against the Tuohy family.
“What I feel really sad about is I watched the whole thing up close,” Lewis said.
“They showered him with resources and love. That he’s suspicious of them is breathtaking. The state of mind one has to be in to do that. I feel sad for him.”
