I Am

Ace Ventura director Tom Shadyac takes a sharp left turn in the documentary I Am, which had its genesis following a bike accident that resulted in cuts, bruises, a concussion, and finally depression, during which the filmmaker began to contemplate the state of the world. Wondering why it's in such a mess, Shadyac's conclusion pointed to aggressively competitive people like him: Americans who strive to amass wealth at the expense of their well-being, interpersonal relationships, and the environment that sustains them. Shadyac illustrates his point with repeated shots of his private jet and extravagant properties, then speaks with famous figures who emphasize compassion, including sustainability activist David Suzuki, linguistics professor Noam Chomsky, progressive historian Howard Zinn, and environmentally conscious CEO Ray Anderson (star of The Corporation). Shadyac also speaks with his father, Richard, who co-founded St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital. While the filmmaker's heart is in the right place, I Am doesn't quite add up, as Shadyac seems to be simultaneously bragging and beating himself up. By film's end, he downsizes in order to lead a more constructive existence, although 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. An optional purchase. Aud: C, P. (K. Fennessy)