GIFTED HANDS

THE BEN CARSON STORY

INTRODUCTION

In the movie, Ben Carson was represented by Cuba Gooding Jr., Kimberly Elise as his mother, his wife as Aunjuane Ellis.

The introduction to "Gifted Hands," inspired by the life of Ben Carson, builds the context by emphasizes Ben Carson's difficult early life, exhibiting the difficulties he faced growing up in poverty with a single mother who worked different jobs in different places as a cleaner and a nanny.

This additionally suggests into the outstanding travel in advance for Ben as he triumphs over challenges by his gifted hands and outstanding ability as a neurosurgeon.

Also get a glance inside Ben Carson's inspirational true story. Although enduring significant hardships and growing up in poverty, Ben's remarkable skill and commitment are evident.

The beginning highlights this concept of determination, adaptability, with this victory of the individual mindset, which will play out all during the film.

As we delve deeper into Ben Carson's early life, we see how he discovers his passion for medicine and surgery, setting the stage for his remarkable journey towards becoming a surgeon. The introduction brilliantly captures the pivotal moments of Ben Carson's childhood, including his struggle with poverty and challenges in school, and the profound impact of his mother, who encourages him to believe in his potential and pursue his dreams despite the odds stacked against him. 

CHARACTERIZATION.

There are several characters in the movie “Gifted Hands”, some of which are: Ben Carson, Sonya Carson, Candy, Teen Carl, Dr. Long, Bennie, Professor Burket, Jose Gonzalez, Mrs. Grossman, Dr. Mark Rogers and many more.

The main characters are: Ben Carson, Sonya Carson, Candy Carson, Curtis Carson and Peter Rausch.

BEN CARSON

Ben Carson is the son of Sonya Carson, the brother of Curtis Carson, husband of Candy Carson and an African-American neurosurgeon. His role in the movie “Gifted Minds” shows him as an inspirational and devoted character. He is a Christian whom while growing up lived in a disturbing neighbourhood with his single mother (Sonya Carson). He struggled in his academics in school which then led him to discover his passion for medicine and surgery, which was due to his curious mind and determination to succeed and the support of his mother.

While growing up, he faced a lot of challenges, some of which include racism and self-doubt. But with his hard work and faith, his surgical skills and techniques lead him to become a world know and successful neurosurgeon and achieving outstand success. One of his biggest achievements includes the separation of conjoined twins. In the movie, his character is portrayed as a very passionate and caring surgeon to his patients with the help of his faith in God.

CANDY CARSON

Candy Carson is the wife of Ben Carson and the mother of their children. She is a very supportive and caring wife. She assists and supports Ben by offering him advices and emotional support. She plays a very important role in Ben’s career. She was with him through thick and thin. She believed in his abilities even when he was going through many challenges.

SONYA CARSON

Sonya Carson is the mother of Ben Carson and Curtis Carson. She is a very devoted mother that makes sure education and discipline are of main importance in the lives of her children. Even though she was a single mother, she still managed to raise Ben and Curtis, instil strong values and believed in their capabilities. She taught Ben to set high expectations for himself in his academics and have strict study habits.

CURTIS CARSON

Curtis Carson is the older brother of Ben Carson. He protects and guides his brother. Curtis alongside his mother try to provide a suitable and conducive environment for Ben while he faces his academics. Both brothers were very close and supportive of each other.

PETER RAUSCH

Peter Rausch is the mentor of Ben Carson. He provided Ben with support and guidance throughout his education. He always advised Ben to pursue his dreams irrespective of the challenges and problems he may face. He also helped him look for different opportunities to learn in the field of neurosurgeon. Ben and Peter become friends with great respect for each other. He is also of great influence and importance in Ben’s life.

MINOR CHARACTERS

BOB, his supervisor at the university research lab.

MR. TATE, Ben's high school history teacher, believes in his potential and encourages him to pursue his dreams of becoming a doctor despite challenges.

Dr. LONG is Ben's supervisor and Yale University professor, and he has a significant impact on his educational and professional advancement as a neurosurgeon.

DR. DEBAKEY - A well-known neurosurgeon whom encourages Ben and serves as an inspiration of success in the field, encouraging him to strive for perfection on his profession.

CANDY RUSTIN is Ben's coworker and friend who has encouraged him all through his career as a doctor but also performs a part in his private life.

MARANDA - A young patient of Ben's who inspires him to expand the frontiers of medical research and excel in his field.

THEMES

FAMILY DYNAMICS: The Family is the most important in a section of the community. The Family comes first before anything. The Family of the Movie Gifted Minds showed the signs of family love that in any situation you find yourself either positive or Negative the family is always there for you not to criticize you but to tell you how to become someone better. Family is not evil instead they are the ones you run back to during hardship. The Movie shows us the Love of Family from Ben Carson being a dull student which people made fun of him but Ben Carson running back to this Family which his mum literally taught him how to study and eventually the love of the family made him a big personality around the world till today.

EDUCATION SYSTEMS: The Education system is a very important aspect of every young child or a teenage youth. The movie shows us that Ben Carson went through all the systems of education which he learnt academics and behavioural aspect of school. The school entered the life of Ben Carson and due to the knowledge, he had through his education life he was able to make a successful surgery which people believed was a difficult act. The movie also tells readers that the education system is not fake and aside going to school one should take time and do a personal research and readings about anything and everything. In the world today, it is said that if you want to hide something from a black man hide it in a book which shows this generation rarely read books which shows a sign of laziness.

THE IMPORTANCE OF ALLOWING KIDS TO JUST BE KIDS SOMETIMES: Kids should be allowed to follow their dreams and knowing full well their parents also have their back in case anything wrong comes up. Childhood life is a quick one and it only comes once so parents should give kids the opportunity to live that experience. This also helps the kids to know things going on and not just to play their life around. The movie shows how important it is to allow kids just be kids that knowing full well they would grow out of it but note that in the stage of allowing kids just be kids parents should caution them when they do something wrong and not just leave it like they did not do something wrong.

It really explores the balance between nurturing talent and providing a normal childhood.

HARD WORK AND PERSEVERANCE

Carson's journey is a testament to the virtues of hard work and perseverance. His dedication to his studies and his medical career, coupled with his refusal to give up in the face of challenges, demonstrate the importance of these qualities. The movie emphasizes that sustained effort and persistence are key to achieving great things, regardless of the obstacles encountered.

COMPASSION AND EMPATHY

Throughout his career, Carson exhibits compassion and empathy towards his patients. The film portrays his deep commitment to improving their lives through his medical expertise. His willingness to tackle difficult cases, such as the separation of conjoined twins and performing complex brain surgeries, shows his dedication to making a difference. This theme highlights the importance of compassion and a desire to help others in the medical profession and beyond.

TRANSFORMATION AND REDEMPTION

Carson's personal transformation from a temperamental, struggling student to a calm, focused, and successful neurosurgeon is a significant theme in the movie. This transformation is not just academic but also personal and emotional, depicting how individuals can change and grow through self-discipline, education, and faith. The theme of redemption is woven throughout the film, showing that it is possible to overcome past mistakes and achieve greatness.

RACIAL AND SOCIAL ISSUES

The movie addresses racial and social issues, depicting the challenges Carson faces as an African American in a predominantly white field. Despite facing prejudice and low expectations from others, Carson's success serves as a powerful statement against racial stereotypes and social limitations. This theme underscores the importance of diversity and the potential for individuals to break barriers and challenge societal norms.

FAITH AND SPIRITUALITY

Carson's faith plays a significant role in his life and career. Throughout the movie, he turns to prayer and relies on his belief in God for guidance and strength, especially during challenging times. This theme underscores the influence of spirituality in Carson's decision-making and resilience, portraying how faith can provide comfort and motivation.

SOME WORKS BY BEN CARSON

In the movie "Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story," several significant medical achievements and pivotal moments in Ben Carson's career are highlighted. These moments illustrate his skills as a neurosurgeon and his innovative contributions to the field. Here are the key works and scenes depicted in the movie:

1. HEMISPHERECTOMY

• Scene: Carson performs a radical brain surgery called a hemispherectomy on a young girl with severe epilepsy. This procedure involves removing or disabling one hemisphere of the brain to control seizures.

• Explanation: This surgery is highly complex and risky, but Carson's success with it demonstrates his innovative approach and willingness to tackle challenging cases. The surgery significantly improves the patient's quality of life, showcasing Carson's impact on paediatric neurosurgery.

2. SEPARATION OF CONJOINED TWINS

• Scene: One of the most dramatic and pivotal scenes in the movie is Carson's operation to separate the Binder twins, who are joined at the back of the head.

• Explanation: This highly publicized surgery required meticulous planning and a large medical team. Carson's leadership and surgical skills are highlighted as he navigates the complexities of the procedure. The successful separation of the twins marks a milestone in medical history and cements Carson's reputation as a pioneering neurosurgeon.

3. BRAIN TUMOR REMOVAL

• Scene: Carson performs surgery to remove a brain tumor from a young boy. The operation is tense, with high stakes, but ultimately successful.

• Explanation: This scene illustrates Carson's expertise in handling delicate brain surgeries and his commitment to saving lives. His ability to remove tumors without causing significant damage to the surrounding brain tissue is a testament to his precision and skill.

CAPTIVATING SCENES

THE HEMISPHERECTOMY SURGERY

Carson performs a radical brain surgery called a hemispherectomy on a young girl with severe epilepsy.

This scene is gripping as it showcases Carson's innovative surgical skills and his willingness to take on high-risk procedures to improve his patients' lives. The tension and precision required for this complex surgery keep viewers on the edge of their seats, while the successful outcome demonstrates Carson's expertise and compassion.

SEPARATION OF THE BINDER TWINS

The climax of the movie features Carson leading a team in the ground-breaking surgery to separate the Binder twins, who are conjoined at the back of the head.

This intense and dramatic scene captures the high stakes and immense pressure of the 22-hour operation. The meticulous planning, coordination, and execution of the surgery are depicted in detail, highlighting Carson's leadership and surgical prowess. The emotional impact of the successful separation resonates deeply with viewers, showcasing the life-changing nature of Carson's work.

CARSON'S MOTHER'S INFLUENCE

Several scenes depict Sonya Carson's influence on her sons, particularly her insistence on limiting TV time and requiring them to read two books a week and write reports on them.

These scenes are captivating because they highlight the pivotal role of Sonya Carson in shaping Ben's future. Her determination and unconventional methods emphasize the importance of parental influence, education, and perseverance. The transformation in Ben's academic performance due to his mother's guidance is both inspiring and heartwarming.

RECEIVING THE SCHOLARSHIP TO YALE

Carson receives a scholarship to Yale University, marking a significant turning point in his life.

This scene is emotionally charged and captivating as it represents the culmination of Carson's hard work and determination. The scholarship not only validates his academic efforts but also sets the stage for his future success. The joy and relief on Carson's face, along with his mother's pride, make this moment deeply impactful.

THE KNIFE INCIDENT

A young Ben Carson, in a fit of rage, attempts to stab a friend but the knife breaks on the friend's belt buckle.

This intense and dramatic scene serves as a turning point in Carson's life. The realization of how close he came to causing serious harm leads him to seek help for his temper and turn to prayer. This moment of reckoning and subsequent transformation is compelling, highlighting Carson's journey from a troubled youth to a disciplined and focused individual.