I AM Review
Ace Ventura director Tom Shadyac takes a sharp left turn in the documentary
I Am. After a bike accident that results in cuts, bruises, and a concussion, he sinks into a depression, and considers the state of the world. He wonders why it's in such a mess, and decides it's because of aggressively competitive people like him: Americans who strive to amass wealth at the expense of their well being, their interpersonal relationships, and the environment that sustains them. He illustrates the point with repeated shots of his private jet and extravagant properties, then proceeds to speak with famous figures who emphasize compassion, like sustainability activist David Suzuki, linguistics professor Noam Chomsky, progressive historian Howard Zinn, and environmentally conscious CEO Ray Andersen (star of
The Corporation). He also speaks with his father, Richard, who cofounded St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital (Zinn and Shadyac Sr. passed away prior to the film's release). His heart is in the right place, but
I Am doesn't quite add up as Shadyac seems to be simultaneously bragging (about his movies and possessions) and beating himself up (about those who have less). His documentary also covers much of the same ground as
One Peace at a Time, though that may be purely coincidental. By the end, he downsizes in order to lead a more constructive existence, though it's hard to tell whether this is a permanent shift, an advanced case of midlife crisis, or a holiday from Hollywood until the next potential blockbuster comes along.
--Kathleen C. Fennessy
