Three bird enthusiasts compete in a “birding” competition known as the “big year,” a marathon bird-spotting event that requires persistence, endurance, and sharp eyesight. But the three have different reasons for competing: one is battling a midlife crisis, another wants to beat his own record, and the third dreams of winning the ultimate prize: spotting the rarest bird in North America. With stunning visuals of natural landscapes and its endearing cast of characters, The Big Year is an uplifting tale about chasing dreams and finding fulfillment in surprising ways.
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Review
In the world of bird watching, there is a concept called “the big year”. This refers to a competition among bird enthusiasts, wherein participants attempt to identify as many bird species as possible within a calendar year. The stakes are high, the challenge is intense, and the rewards are, well… bragging rights. It may seem like an obscure subculture to some, but for those who indulge in it, the big year is an obsession.
This obsession is precisely what inspired director David Frankel to make “The Big Year”, a charming comedy-drama film that highlights the competitive world of bird watching. Based on Mark Obmascik’s book of the same name, “The Big Year” follows three protagonists who all share the same goal: to become the winner of that year’s big year competition.
The first protagonist we meet is Brad Harris (Jack Black), who has spent his entire life dreaming of winning the big year. He works as a computer programmer but spends all his free time studying birds and planning his trips around North America in hopes of spotting rare species. Brad’s love for birds has drawn him away from relationships and other pursuits in life, leaving him with no other real passion than this obsession.
Next, we have Stu Preissler (Steve Martin), a successful businessman who has recently retired from his job and decides to use his newfound freedom to try for a big year title. Unlike Brad, Stu already has significant financial resources at his disposal, which gives him advantages over his competitors in terms of travel expenses and other accoutrements needed for successful birding.
Finally, we have Kenny Bostick (Owen Wilson), a legendary birder who holds the record for most species spotted in one big year. Kenny is determined to keep his record intact and will do whatever it takes to maintain it – even if it means making unethical choices or betraying those close to him.
As these three characters embark on their big year quests, their paths cross several times, leading to both hilarious and poignant moments. Along the way, they encounter various challenges, including harsh weather conditions, equipment malfunctions, and accidents. But through it all, they remain committed to their dream of becoming the best birders in the world.
“The Big Year” is a film that reminds us of the importance of having passions in life – even if they may seem trivial or strange to others. It’s a celebration of nature and the beauty that can be found in its smallest creatures. The film also touches on themes such as ambition, friendship, and sacrifice.
One of the strongest aspects of “The Big Year” is its cast. Black, Martin, and Wilson all deliver fantastic performances that make their characters feel like real people rather than caricatures. Their chemistry together is undeniable, which makes for some entertaining on-screen moments.
Another highlight of “The Big Year” is its cinematography. The film takes viewers on a journey through some of North America’s most beautiful landscapes while showcasing an impressive array of birds. The score is also noteworthy, with Theodore Shapiro providing a playful and melodic soundtrack that perfectly complements the film’s tone.
While “The Big Year” may not have been a box office hit when it was released in 2011, it has certainly earned a following among bird enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. It’s a film that invites audiences to slow down and appreciate the world around them – even if just for a little while.
In conclusion, “The Big Year” is an overlooked gem that deserves more attention than it initially received. It’s a delightful comedy-drama that showcases some excellent performances from its cast while providing viewers with stunning visuals and an uplifting message about pursuing one’s passions. Whether you’re into bird watching or not, this film is worth checking out for its universal themes about friendship and perseverance in pursuit of our dreams. As Stu Preissler says in the film: “the birds are always there, you just have to make sure you’re looking.”
Technical Data
- Runtime : 100
- Release : 2011-10-13
- Genre : Comedy
- Cast : Steve Martin as Stu Preissler, Jack Black as Brad Harris, Owen Wilson as Kenny Bostick, Brian Dennehy as Raymond Harris, Anjelica Huston as Annie Auklet
- Crew : Curtis Hanson as Producer, Carol Fenelon as Executive Producer, Howard Franklin as Screenplay, David Frankel as Director, Karen Rosenfelt as Producer
- Popularity 11.932
- Budget : $41,000,000
- Revenue : $8,179,416
- Company : Ingenious Media, Fox 2000 Pictures, Deuce Three Productions
- Summary : Three fanatical bird-watchers spend an entire year competing to spot the highest number of species as El Nino sends an extraordinary variety of rare breeds flying up into the U.S., but they quickly discover that there are more important things than coming out on top of the competition.
- Tagline : Everyone is searching for something.
