Something The Lord Made (HBO)

About Something The Lord Made (HBO)

Something the Lord Made is a 2004 American made-for-television biographical drama film about the black cardiac pioneer Vivien Thomas (1910–1985) and his complex and volatile partnership with white surgeon Alfred Blalock(1899–1964), the "Blue Baby doctor" who pioneered modern heart surgery. Based on the National Magazine Award-winning Washingtonian magazine article "Like Something the Lord Made" by Katie McCabe, the film was directed by Joseph Sargent and written by Peter Silverman and Robert Caswell.

Making / Production

The film was co-produced by HBO and Cinemax. It was shot in Baltimore, Maryland, where the real-life events took place. Joseph Sargent directed with diligence and attention to detail, while the screenplay was skilfully written by Peter Silverman and Robert Caswell.

Actors

• Alan Rickman as Dr. Alfred Blalock - Rickman excellently portrays the controversial white surgeon with a demanding yet compassionate demeanor.
• Mos Def as Vivien Thomas - Mos Def gives a compelling performance as the talented and resilient Vivien Thomas, portraying his struggle with poise and dignity.
• Kyra Sedgwick as Mary Blalock - Sedgwick plays the part of the supportive wife to Dr. Blalock skillfully.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The film was based on a true story of a remarkable medical breakthrough.
• Vivien Thomas went on to train some of the most notable cardiac surgeons in America despite having no formal medical degree.
• The "Blue Baby" operation was so named because of the bluish coloration of babies who were deprived of adequate blood oxygenation due to heart defects.

Awards

The movie won the 2004 Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Made for Television Movie. In addition, Mos Def received a nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or a Movie. Alan Rickman, Mary Stuart Masterson, and Kyra Sedgwick were also nominated for their performances. The film also received a Peabody Award.

Quotes

• "He [Thomas] is the most untapped resource in all of American surgery... His hands are golden. His mind is sharp. His will is mighty." – Dr. Alfred Blalock.
• "Champagne's for the rich folks, Doc. Where I come from, we celebrate with good, hard cider." – Vivien Thomas.

Music, Soundtrack

• The music for the film was composed by Christopher Young, providing an apt atmospheric backdrop to this historical drama.
• The soundtrack features a mix of period jazz, blues, and gospel, reflecting the era and the characters.