I Am Big Bird: The Caroll Spinney Story

Released in 2014, "I Am Big Bird: The Caroll Spinney Story" is a heartwarming and uplifting documentary that explores the life and career of Caroll Spinney, a puppeteer famed for his portrayal of Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch on the beloved children's series, "Sesame Street." Filmmakers Dave LaMattina and Chad N. Walker passionately crafted this tribute, which covers much ground in Spinney's rich life, revealing the magic behind these iconic characters and the man who brought them to life.

A truly compelling 90-minutes, "I am Big Bird" comprehensively delves into Spinney's beginnings in puppeteering, his pivotal meeting with Jim Henson at a festival, and his transformative time spent on the set of Sesame Street, contributing to the lasting impact of this influential show. Moreover, it shares the emotional resonance of Big Bird as an iconic character and Spinney's remarkable longevity, having played the world's most famous bird for over 45 years.

Spinney's charming and humane rendition of Big Bird has facilitated a unique bond with viewers across multiple generations. The film brilliantly captures this connection as it explores the depth of the character, who, with his 8-foot-2 stature, has never been "just a puppet" but a real, empathetic creature in the eyes of many children and adults alike. Big Bird's emotional journey – filled with joy, curiosity, and occasional sorrow – substantially contributed to Sesame Street's international success, and Spinney's incomparable artistry is lauded throughout the documentary.

In addition to celebrating Spinney's storied career, the film gives viewers a privileged insight into his personal life. His humility, kindness and immense passion for his work paints a portrait of a man who found his calling early and dedicated his life to it fervently. Throughout the documentary, Spinney's open-heartedness is a focal point, as we see his authenticity off screen mirrors that of the characters he plays. It also touches on individual experiences and encounters that influenced Spinney's creative process: how each experience shaped Spinney and, by extension, the characters of Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch.

"I Am Big Bird" is loaded with archival footage, much of it from Spinney's private collection, blended with interviews from his coworkers, and animation sequences, invoking a real sense of nostalgia, creativity and warmth; offering an encompassing narrative of both the man and the show. Conversations with other puppeteers and creatives on Sesame Street, such as Frank Oz, and the late Jim Henson, serve to provide a remarkable context to Spinney's work. Through their anecdotes, recollections, and insights, we gain a broader understanding of Spinney's extraordinary contribution to puppetry and children's television.

The film also sensitively handles the darker aspects of Spinney's life, including his struggles with depression, early career difficulties, and personal loss, while also highlighting his life's many joys, deep love for his wife Debra, and their shared adventures travelling the world with the Sesame Street Muppets.

"I Am Big Bird: The Caroll Spinney Story" shows us that the line between Spinney and his characters is blurry not because he is lost in his roles, but because he put so much of his own love, compassion, and spirit into them. The film is ultimately about heart – the heart of a man who poured his soul into his craft, and the heart of a bird who won over every one of us with his innocence, charm, and boundless positivity. With an underlying message that encourages viewers to hold onto imagination, kindness, and all the wonders that come with being a child at heart, the film is a tribute not only to Spinney but to the magic, beauty and power of puppetry.

"I Am Big Bird: The Caroll Spinney Story" is a delightful, touching, and deeply moving film that will leave fans of Sesame Street – both young and old – with a deeper appreciation for the show, its beloved characters, and the man who imbued them with such life and love. It's a must-see for anyone who has been touched by the joy and magic of Sesame Street, encapsulating the essence of one of children television's biggest icons and the man underneath the feathers.