I Am Big Bird: The Caroll Spinney Story (2014)
Cast: Frank Oz, Jim Henson, Matt Vogel
Directors: Dave LaMattina, Chad N. Walker
Country: USA
Genre: Documentary | Biography | Drama
Editor’s Note: I Am Big Bird: The Caroll Spinney Story opens in limited theatrical release on May 6th.
It’s hard to be unbiased about this film. My Colombian parents learned a lot of their English by watching Sesame Street. They were always seeking to improve their pronunciation, therefore, when I was born we’d all sit and watch The Children’s Television Network together. My favorite character has always been Cookie Monster, but something about Big Bird always stood out. He pretty much asked all the questions we were burning to ask as kids. His comments would sometimes come out as funny or naive, but he knew what to ask. Oscar the Grouch was easily the coolest punk around. There’s no denying that.
It’s a no-holds barred biography that is poignant not just because of its subject matter, but because directors Chad Walker and Dave LaMattina paint a compelling portrait of a man who went for his dreams.
I Am Big Bird: The Carol Spinney Story gives us a peak into the life of the man behind the bird and the grouch. And what a life it is. Through a rich treasure of archival footage (from the Spinney family archives), interviews, and behind the scenes views of Spinney at work, the film is a beautiful sentimental journey. To think that someone who plays a character so loved is also a sensitive man who often feels like an outsider amongst his peers, was suicidal for a time, and grew up with an abusive father. It’s a no-holds barred biography that is poignant not just because of its subject matter, but because directors Chad Walker and Dave LaMattina paint a compelling portrait of a man who went for his dreams.
I got misty eyed watching Spinney give first hand accounts on the beginnings of Sesame Street, his growing friendship with Jim Henson, his joy of travel, and his adoration of life. Spouse Debra Spinney enriches these tidbits by giving the audience a touching view of a solid marriage built on love and unconditional support. Many of Sesame Street’s own make an appearance from the past and present: Luis (Emilio Delgado), Maria (Sonia Manzano), Susan (Loretta Long), Gordon (Roscoe Orman), and Bob (Bob McGrath)! You can’t help but become a kid again watching them talk about the many episodes most adults still remember.
LaMattina and Walker manage to craft a film that reveals one simple truth: Sesame Street is an enduring force. Carol Spinney, is one of the constant icons that continues to tirelessly, and enthusiastically, work to this day. Watching the film reminded me of how sad I was Mr. Hooper died and how Maria and Luis had to explain to Big Bird (who’s basically the child in all of us), how final death is. In turn, I also recounted the time that my own children sat for an hour every weekday watching Big Bird and his friends. Even as we are given hints to a life beyond a Spinney-less Big Bird, the audience is assured that Big Bird will always be there, thus this film benefits from the handling of its subject and from the subject himself.
LaMattina and Walker manage to craft a film that reveals one simple truth: Sesame Street is an enduring force.
It’s an amazing feat of editing by Chad Walker who compiles an astonishing amount of Spinney home movies and junket interviews in such a way that makes a rounded portrayal of Spinney as an artist and a man who fights his own demons by finding an admirable balance in life in art. Spinney comes across as someone who’s incredibly grateful for his position in life and tries his best to live it to the fullest. Many coughs and holding back of sniffles were heard throughout the theatre because many of his ups and downs were palpable, and in the case of Jim Henson’s death, relatable.
If you want to know more about Muppet culture, I suggest you catch a viewing of I Am Big Bird: The Carol Spinney Story. You’ll be richer for it.
If you want to know more about Muppet culture, I suggest you catch a viewing of I Am Big Bird: The Carol Spinney Story. You’ll be richer for it.
