So far my favorite film of 2011 is The Big Year. I loved it. Truthfully, I cannot say that it is a great movie — it is a rather formulaic comedy-drama that breaks no new ground cinematically — but I loved it nonetheless. Long ago I came to believe that one’s favorite films (or books or songs, for that matter) are not necessarily the best films (or books or songs, for that matter). For instance, I recognize the greatness of Schindler’s List and The Godfather Part II, but I have no desire to sit through them again anytime soon. But I could watch Silver Streak or Duel at Diablo or The Big Year again tomorrow. And then again next week.
The Big Year focuses on three men (Jack Black, Owen Wilson, Steve Martin) who like to watch birds. Each privately decides to enter a competition known as “The Big Year,” during which they count the types of birds they can identify in one calendar year. Wilson’s character has the current world record, and he lives in fear that someone will break it. He should, since that is indeed the quest of lonely computer geek Black and retiring business executive Martin, as well as other birders. Their personal competition forms the basis of the story.
It takes a while to get started, but once the three men become aware of each other, it really kicks into high gear, with relationships and alliances shifting and twisting. Director David Frankel could have made this a madcap comedy, like an aviary scavenger hunt, but instead he followed the lead of Mark Obmascik’s book and fashioned a sharply observed study of character and obsession. It is funny, but the humor is directly derived from the characters. Jack Black feels himself a failure, but comes alive while out in nature. Steve Martin has made a fortune in the corporate world but he’s tired of the rat race and would rather be birding. Owen Wilson actually doesn’t seem to care about the birds themselves; he lives for besting the competition.
It isn’t just the men; JoBeth Williams, Rashida Jones, Rosamund Pike, Anjelica Huston and Dianne Wiest all have sharply defined roles that add much to the story. Location filming is gorgeous, and director Frankel has fun with the geographic and numerical sides of the Big Year equation. What really made it all work for me is the interaction of these smart, realistic, genuine characters. They act like real people — people that I would like to know. Sure, the characters are secretive, neurotic and obsessive, and they have to deal with the consequences of who they are, yet most of them are also smart, generous and kind. I really liked the people in this movie.
As I admitted before, The Big Year is not a great film. The scenes involving Martin’s business are hackneyed and there are other moments that are pat, if not a tad treacly. But I don’t care. I really liked the people, I loved the way that the Jack Black (who is not a favorite of mine) character found solace with nature and how Martin’s character gradually worked out his new place in the world. Nuggets of wisdom are spread throughout the film, delivered very enjoyably by a terrific cast. Bravo for The Big Year! ✰ ✰ ✰ ✰. 26 Oct. 2011.