BIG EARS LEARNS TO LISTEN Director's Statement (page 1 of 2)

From the moment I heard Thom Costello’s beautiful story read aloud on the BBC, I was consumed with the idea of adapting it for the screen. It contained a magic--a true sense of transformation, which was captured effortlessly and subtly in a simple story about a boy coming to terms with his disability. I immediately knew it would resonate for a much wider audience.

I had virtually no previous knowledge of the dangers of meningitis, of the realities of hearing loss, and no parallel personal experience. Yet, I saw how this story could both awaken others to the impact of these specific misfortunes, and also remind all of us of our ability to overcome, to cope, to accept loss and pain of any kind.

I hope that this film serves as a reminder of the serious ramifications of meningitis, a disease that could be significantly controlled with proper vaccination and treatment, and also of the human story behind the statistics: What it really means when such a tragedy strikes.  Fundamentally however, Big Ears is a story about overcoming despair, about the irrepressible spirit of love and curiosity and this is a message important to all of us--regardless of the specific trials and tragedies we suffer throughout our lives.

Melody almost has to trick Big Ears into seeing past his fear, and it is only then that he can begin to listen, to accept that there are things beyond his understanding that are capable of radically shifting his perspective. In the same way, a good film tricks us into suspending our disbelief and putting aside the defense mechanisms we shield ourselves with in daily life. It is only in this special quiet place; this clean slate of innocence and openness that important themes can be discussed without falling prey to cynicism and prejudice. And in this age when fear is paralyzing us into believing that our options are limited to a few unsatisfying and self-destructive choices, we desperately need to discuss new possibilities and radical shifts of perspective.

Big Ears learns that hearing is more than vibrations of cochlear cilia; that there is an indescribable and immeasurable depth of potential within him. I believe we must learn a similar lesson in our society at large. And in the nearly imperceptible way that art changes the world, I believe that this film can open our hearts just a tiny bit, and remind us that “magic” still exists. (MORE)

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