Watch I Am

I Am is a 2010 documentary film directed by Tom Shadyac, the man behind hit comedy movies like Ace Ventura and Liar Liar. Unlike his previous works, I Am tackles a much more serious subject matter as it explores the nature of human existence and our connection to the world around us. The film opens with Shadyac recounting his own personal story of how a cycling accident left him with a concussion that caused severe depression and a deep sense of alienation. As he spends months recuperating in his mansion, surrounded by luxury and material possessions, he realizes that his pursuit of success and wealth may have been misguided all along.

This realization prompted him to embark on a journey to discover what really matters in life, leading him to interview some of the most influential thinkers and philosophers of our time. Among them are Noam Chomsky, a linguist and social critic known for his radical views on society and politics, and Desmond Tutu, a South African bishop and human rights activist who played a crucial role in the anti-apartheid movement.

Throughout the film, Shadyac poses deep and thought-provoking questions about the nature of humanity, such as "What is wrong with the world, and what can we do about it?" and "What is the meaning of life?" The answers he receives from his interviewees are varied but often share a common theme: that we are all interconnected and that our actions can have a powerful impact on the world around us.

One interview in particular stands out, featuring Lynne McTaggart, a science writer and researcher who delves into the science of consciousness and the interconnectedness of all things. Through her research, she has discovered that everything in the universe is bound together by a field of energy that connects us all, from the smallest subatomic particles to the largest galaxies.

As the film progresses, Shadyac learns that his experiences with depression and alienation are not unique but are rather symptoms of a larger societal problem. He comes to the conclusion that the pursuit of material possessions and success at the expense of others is ultimately hollow and unsatisfying. Instead, he argues that true happiness and fulfillment can only be found by being kind, compassionate, and connected to other people and the world around us.

One of the most powerful moments in the film is when Shadyac visits the slums of Ecuador, where he sees firsthand the devastating effects of poverty and inequality. Despite the conditions, he is struck by the sense of community and solidarity among the people he meets, who demonstrate a deep resilience and strength in the face of adversity.

Ultimately, I Am offers a compelling message of hope and interconnectedness that is sorely needed in our society today. The film challenges viewers to reexamine their values and priorities and to recognize that we all have the power to make a positive impact on the world around us. Through his journey of self-discovery, Tom Shadyac has created a powerful and thought-provoking film that will leave audiences thinking long after the credits roll.

I Am is a 2010 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 39 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.5 and a MetaScore of 38.