To this day, Michael Oher does not like the film. It’s not only because of how the film depicted him as a person and as a football player. But, it’s also because of how people continue to view him today.
Oher feels sorry that most people don’t see him as the person he wants them to see; as a serious athlete who put in a lot of work and effort to get to this place that he previously thought was impossible. To his disappointment, he feels that most people see him now as a player that had a movie made about him and not as the talented athlete he is.
Having Famous Friends
While Michael Oher wasn’t a huge fan of the film, he didn’t have any negative feelings toward the actors and actresses who portrayed his story. Actually, one star of the film still has quite the presence in his life; Sandra Bullock herself.
Sandra Bullock developed a relationship with Michael Oher, as well as with the entire Tuohy family. She continues to follow Michael Oher’s progress as an athlete and roots for him whenever she gets the chance. She can be spotted at many Super Bowl games, alongside the family, hoping to see him win.
Hollywood Actor Once Security Guard
While things weren’t realistically portrayed as much as he would have hoped, Michael Oher was nonetheless extremely moved by Quinton Aaron’s amazing delivery in the film. You might find it hard to believe that this was Aaron’s first lead role and that he had only tried his hand at acting with a few minor roles prior to The Blind Side.
At the time that he was cast for the film, Aaron was working as a security guard, which seems like a fitting role for somebody of his size and stature. The then 23-year-old had little hopes of landing the role when he auditioned. On his way out, he gave his business card to director John lee Hancock and offered to provide his services as a security guard on the set during the shoots. At the time, Aaron was living in a tough neighborhood in the Bronx with his brother and mother. It took a year until Quinton received notice that he got the part, during which he was on the cusp of being evicted. During that year, Quinton's mother had died and he wasn't able to pay for rent. Quinton was later able to draw inspiration from his own experience to help relate to his onscreen character.
His Time at School
Michael Oher’s acceptance to Briarcrest Christian School was another part of the film that was tweaked in order to arouse a greater emotional reaction from the audience. While this may have drawn movie watchers even closer to the film, it did just the opposite for Oher who grew more frustrated at the overly-embellished film plot.
In the movie, teachers are hesitant to let Oher into Briarcrest, but change their mind when they notice how he opens up to them. Oher’s coach also advocates on behalf of Oher and helps convince authorities in his favor by delivering a convincing and emotional speech. However, in reality, Michael Oher didn’t get into the school this easily thanks to his nearly non-existent academic record as of 2002. While his coach did advocate for his acceptance, the principal at Briarcrest insisted that he participate in a home school program for a few months and complete some pretty challenging assignments before the school accepted him. How else was the film different than reality?
The Truth
Michael Oher made it his mission to deliver to the world the real story of his life. So, in 2011, he published his autobiography called I Beat the Odds: From Homelessness to The Blind Side, and Beyond.
In the book, he gives readers a more detailed story of his childhood and debunks any misconception that the film made about him. He also discussed in greater depth any story he felt that the film left unresolved and provided more details than the film was capable of doing.