The Big Year

In most cases a book is better than its adaptation to film or TV. Sometimes it is the video representation that brings out nuances of a book. In a rare case both succeed which is the case of The Big Year.

I read the book years ago from the local library. I liked it so much that I bought a copy. The topic is one that doesn't appeal to a wide audience. So I was surprised during a TV interview when Steve Martin mentioned that he had finished filming the movie version of The Big Year. When he explained that the title is about a bird watching event he quickly lost the interviewer's interest. Not unexpected for those not familiar of the topic or the book.

However the film is about personal likes and setting a goal around those likes. Not unusual for one pursuing an athletic, musicial or artistic endeavor. But mention one that involves nature in detail and people often become bored or incredulous - wondering why anyone would make such a pursuit. But the film captures this in a warm and lightly amusing manner by displaying to us a human story. Sorry, I should say stories -- of those both directly involved and supporting.

This is a film worth watching.