“Bad days happen to everyone, but when one happens to you, just keep doing your best and never let a bad day make you feel bad about yourself.” Wise words from the world’s most famous giant bird. These, and other life lessons are combined to create the film, I Am Big Bird: The Caroll Spinney Story, which begins airing tonight at Hilo’s Palace Theater.
The documentary profiles Spinney, the 80-something puppeteer who is the man behind making Sesame Street’s Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch walk and talk since the show’s inception. Throughout the film Spinney reflects and reminisces about his career and his devotion to creating one of the most loved children’s characters in the world.
In fact, Big Bird became so famous that Spinney was invited to fly on the 1986 space shuttle in an effort to increase children’s interest in science. The film shows Spinney recalling how he accepted the invitation, then later being told that he wouldn’t be able to fly due to the large size of his costume. That space shuttle was part of the Challenger mission that exploded moments after launching. NASA recently confirmed that conversations took place about Spinney’s potential participation in the mission.
The film, created by Dave LaMattina and Chad Walker, shares the story of Spinney, while simultaneously reminding audiences that even the most iconic characters are a result of determination, commitment, and lots of love. I am Big Bird, while sometimes sentimental and demonstrative, is honest and captivating.
This soulful story of Spinney’s life as Big Bird, creates an account of a lovable performing artist whose professional life and personal tribulations come together to make him one of the most well-known heroes of children throughout the world.
Spinney is portrayed much like a “wounded healer” whose complicated life of childhood and adult trauma made him who he is today — a positive, lovable and empathetic role model. Filled with emotional sucker-punches and laugh-out-loud moments, the documentary is full of history. From Big Bird romping on the Great Wall of China, to the space shuttle disaster, to publicly shaming a presidential candidate who ruffled his feathers, the film is a roller coaster of emotions.
The positive messages are infused throughout the film, and its integrity upheld by testimonials from Spinney’s colleagues and friends who have long since retired from the business. Having been named a living legend by the Library of Congress, won four Emmys, two Grammys, dined with heads of state, and received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, Spinney has no intention of retiring.
One of the more interesting subjects of the documentary is the explanation of the low-tech, yet complicated engineering mechanics through which Spinney controls the giant yellow puppet. Inside the costume of 4,000 feathers, Spinney’s only view is through a video monitor that is strapped to his chest. One of Spinney’s arms remains perpetually out-stretched to hold up the neck and head, and move the wings and eyelids. His other hand must continuously manipulate the beak, all the while reading the script that is taped to his body.
I Am Big Bird utilizes home videos and current interviews to capture moments from the famous puppeteer’s life and career that are both intimate and touching. Audiences learn what circumstances inspired and influenced the iconic Sesame Street character who continues to influence today’s generation of children. The film shows Spinney on the set of Sesame Street and how he transforms himself in to the world’s most famous 8-foot tall bird. Its message is clear — that it’s the man, not the Muppet who makes Big Bird come to life and teach children that loving unconditionally is the greatest lesson of all.
The film also includes Spinney’s wife, Debra, who is a charming storyteller in her own right, and a complimentary partner for her infectiously fun-loving spouse. While funny and heartwarming, the film also tugs on heartstrings as it chronicles the death of cast member Mr. Hooper in 1982, and includes footage of Big Bird’s eulogy at Jim Henson’s memorial service in 1990.
The documentary is a deserving tribute to a talented artist, and an interesting peek into Henson Studios. It’s impossible to leave the theater without recognizing the impact that Spinney and Big Bird have had on the world. It’s clear that no one will every be able to fill his shoes — or feathers. There is only one Big Bird, and that is Caroll Spinney.
For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit www.hilopalace.com or call 934-7010.