The Big Year

About The Big Year

The Big Year is a 2011 comedy film directed by David Frankel. The film is based on the non-fiction book "The Big Year: A Tale of Man, Nature and Fowl Obsession" by Mark Obmascik. The storyline follows three avid birdwatchers who compete to spot the rarest birds in North America within a calendar year.

Making / Production

The Big Year was directed by David Frankel, known for directing The Devil Wears Prada. The screenplay was penned by Howard Franklin while the cinematography was done by Lawrence Sher. Filming took place in various parts of North America to accurately portray bird habitats.

Actors

• Steve Martin as Stu Preissler - Played the role of a retiring successful businessman, who wants to dedicate his life to birdwatching.
• Jack Black as Brad Harris - Portrayed an under achiever and passionate birder who's seeking to become the record holder.
• Owen Wilson as Kenny Bostick - A roofing contractor and the current record holder who's determined not to be outmatched.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• Though the movie is about birds, none of the lead actors are birders in real life.
• All the birds shown in the film are actual species that reside in North America.
• The film was shot in various locations including British Columbia, Yukon, and Hawaii to mimic the diversity of North American bird habitats.

Awards

The Big Year did not receive notable awards.

Quotes

• "This is my year, I'm out in front." - Kenny Bostick
• "Better to go down swinging. Swing away." - Brad Harris
• "Enough is enough! I got a guy who can't stay on the wagon, another guy who can't remember where he's been!" - Stu Preissler

Music, Soundtrack

• "Surfin' Bird" by The Trashmen
• "This Could All Be Yours" by Guster
• "Blackbird" (Beatles cover) by Sarah McLachlan