I Am Big Bird — Blue Fairy Film Blog

The story of Caroll Spinney is told from a perspective tinged with nostalgia and childlike wonder. Though he has been behind the scenes, so to speak, for the better part of forty years, Caroll is a childhood icon of millions of children, and a man of many talents. Principally looking at his work with Big Bird, but also Oscar the Grouch, this documentary looks at the life of the now septuagenarian puppeteer.

The film looks principally at Spinney's life, from his tough childhood under a strict paternal figure, to his time in the armed forces, and his discovery by Jim Henson; who was beginning a children's program at PBS called "Sesame Street." Key touchstone moments in Spinney's life make up the meat of the film, including him meeting his future wife, a trip to China in the eighties, his tempestuous relationship with a director, and his commitment to excellence throughout his career. Spinney is a very interesting figure in the world of children's entertainment, though there aren't many faults seen throughout the film. He has problems travelling around the country, so he can't always spend time with his kids, and occasionally he fights with directors on set, but for the most part Spinney is shown to be an exacting, if gentle, master of his craft.

The actual manipulation and technical skill it takes to work Big Bird is astounding. Spinney can't see out of the suit, except for a monitor strapped to his chest. He moves the bird's head and arm with one hand, and the other arm with his other hand. He does this in a dark, airless space, and he does it with an image in front of him, oriented to the opposite side of the stage. His finesse and dexterity, even into his seventies, is a feat unlike many other artists of their time.

There were actual moments throughout the film where tears welled in my eyes, especially when it came to Spinney's relationship with the late Jim Henson. They are shown to be colleagues, close friends, and closeted introverts. When Henson died in 1990 Spinney dressed as Big Bird for the televised funeral, and sang "It's Not Easy Being Green," which is to date one of the saddest renditions of a the song I have ever heard. Seriously, buckets of tears. Any kid of the eighties, nineties, or beyond, will feel serious solitude in the words of this giant yellow fowl.