I Am Big Bird is a “must see” film on every level

Documentaries are something that I’m not usually a big fan of. Best case they’re engaging, worst case they’re pompous, too artsy and boring. However, I Am Big Bird: The Caroll Spinney Story, while it is a documentary film, is so much more than what the genre implies. Take away the allure of Sesame Street, the puppet fascination behind Oscar the Grouch and the feel goods that you receive from Big Bird. Even if you know nothing about Sesame Street or for some reason, have ill feelings towards them this documentary will melt your heart.

As a life-long fan of the Muppets it’s amazing to realize that Caroll Spinney has been doing Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch for 40 years.  The trailer for the film is aware of pop culture’s affair with the character and only shows him speak; without the suit on, towards the end of it. That is along the lines of the film’s pacing and how effectively it builds a narrative and deals with the multiple ups and downs in Spinney’s life.

The film uses a variety of techniques to tell the story that started in the early 70’s. Fans of Sesame Street, Jim Henson or the Muppets will get lost in the archival footage from the early days of the show. It is to their credit that lots of the rehearsal footage was filmed and still exists today. Creatively you’ll look at how they did the puppets back then, how they’ve changed and the puppeteers that brought them all to life.

When Spinney first started he was not confident about his character. Frustrated and poor, he was on his way to Henson’s office to quit when someone asked him about Big Bird. Prior to then, Big Bird had a much more ‘adult’ tone to his emotions. That conversation convinced him that Big Bird should be a child, a very big child who communicates much the way that a five-year old does.

Spinney always had a video camera on hand. His second wife, who embraced the character and saw that it was his to be; filmed him wherever he went in costume. There are intimate moments of Spinney going in and out of character, seeing Oscar the grouch on set and so many other images that puppet fans or fans of the show will really enjoy.

It is Caroll Spinney who really makes the movie though. He is Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch, but it’s his story that makes the movie so entertaining and emotional. His story about divorce, his abusive father and reconciliation, the time that NASA wanted to send him to space (and almost did) and of course the death of Jim Henson are masterfully woven in with first person interviews and homemade videos.

How did they film that is almost always followed up with “I’m glad they filmed that”. I Am Big Bird: The Caroll Spivey Story is entertaining and still creates a complete story despite the fact that he’s still working as the character. It does address the fact that Spinney has a Big Bird understudy and there are many interview snippets with him.

This was such a fun, moving and at times sad film that made you remember the work, love and dedication that goes into one of the world’s most well known characters. It’s worth seeing if you think a Muppet is a Fraggle and will certainly give you the feels on more than one occasion.