Christians in Cinema

I know it’s kind of an oxymoron to mention “seeing” and “Blind Side” in the same sentence, but when it refers to the blockbuster Sandra Bullock movie, it all makes sense. This weekend, she made box office history with her role in The Blind Side. The film passed the $200 million mark (its running total is now $208.5 million), which is a record for a female-led film at the United States box office.

What does that mean? I’m not the only one asking that question. Hollywood bloggers are analyzing the surprising success.

Well, for one thing, it means a woman can carry a blockbuster film. Not to downplay the effect of having Tim McGraw in the film (read my interview with him – and in case you’re wondering, yes, he really is nice in person!), but the film itself is really about powerhouse Leigh Anne Tuohy. It also means that sports-themed movies can be very successful.

Another important aspect of the movie’s success – Christians can generate a box-office success for something other than a movie made by Christians for Christians – and Hollywood is acknowledging it. That’s difficult to do for one of the few communities in America that prides itself on its secularism.

In a November press conference, Bullock herself mentioned the positive impact that being around the Tuohy family had on her. She took the role even though she had some reservations. “It scared me because I’ve had experiences that haven’t been great. I don’t buy a lot of people who use that [faith] as their shield. She [Leigh Anne] was so open and honest and forthright. I said, ‘Wow! I finally met someone who practices but doesn’t preach.’ I finally met people who walk the walk and it’s made me happy. Very happy.”

What about you?  Have you seen The Blind Side? If you haven’t, when are you going to? It easily makes my top 5 list of films from 2009.