This documentary weaves a fascinating story and is filled with warmth, humor, some tragedy, and a real sense of genuineness. It focuses on the life and career of Caroll Spinney, who for over 40 years, has been the man in the giant feathered yellow costume of the iconic character Big Bird. Surprisingly, at least to me, Spinney is also the muppeteer who is behind the wonderful presence of Oscar the Grouch, on Sesame Street of course.
The film traces Spinney's life back to his difficult early years, how he, by chance, met the late Jim Henson at a puppet festival and was hired for the show. Spinney really struggled at first and nearly quit, but got the idea of making Big Bird's character child-like and it was perfect for its presentation. There's lots of behind-the-scenes insights into the Sesame Street shows and the cast as well.
All in all, I enjoyed this documentary, directed by Lave LaMattina and Chad N. Walker, from start to finish, and thought it was one of the better ones I've seen in a while.
The film traces Spinney's life back to his difficult early years, how he, by chance, met the late Jim Henson at a puppet festival and was hired for the show. Spinney really struggled at first and nearly quit, but got the idea of making Big Bird's character child-like and it was perfect for its presentation. There's lots of behind-the-scenes insights into the Sesame Street shows and the cast as well.
All in all, I enjoyed this documentary, directed by Lave LaMattina and Chad N. Walker, from start to finish, and thought it was one of the better ones I've seen in a while.