Micheael Nelms was once a functional member of society. But due to many of life's hits, he decides to live in the remote wilderness of Oregon rather than face being another statistic under a bridge. His story may seem common, but this man has made a few life altering choices that has regressed him a few degrees from the primitive.
Loneliness, survival and resilience of the human spirit in a uniquely filmed manner is the way the filmmakers describe "The Big Lonely". You could easily add many more adjectives to describe this documentary. You can't help to wonder though, at the core of it all, where was this man's family to aid him in his time of need. It is very easy to expect an answer to what does seem like an obvious answer. However, there's an underbelly of complicated dilemmas since Michael Nelms is a very proud man. And his position is not unique.
There is a vast majority of the populations that is living pay check to pay check only a few or maybe no checks away from Michael Nelms. And pride and dignity is powerful when one is faced with the choices of seeking help from the next of kin.
What's even more fascinating is the survival skills that were developed as Michael lived in the woods. Everything from cleaning and prepping dead animals for consumption to surviving bears. His companion, a dog name Tic, in the midst of such desperate survival conditions, is truly his best friend.
Sadly to say, after speaking to the filmmakers after the Q & A, I was told about the passing of Tic after the shooting of the documentary. You can tell Michael was able to survive in the wild because of his best friend Tic before he found the cameras of the filmmakers as another comforting tool of spiritual survival. The camera in this film is sorta like Tom Hank's best friend Wilson, the volleyball that helps to keep his sanity from devolving, in Cast Away.
The successful social experiment here was the use of the cameras and how the filmmakers chose to set up Michael with these modern day devices so he could narrate his story to his own pace.
Definitely a captivating and unforgettable documentary, "The Big Lonely is a film that will linger in your mind long after you've watched it." It is powerful, insightful and at times very sad and moving. However, if you do hear of this documentary on any format or platform of exhibition, do not hesitate to watch it.
There's much to be said about how we treat the unfortunate. Whether due to mental illness or debilitating circumstances, you will find this documentary is a victory in the realm of enlightenment and insightful observations of how resilient the human spirit can be when tested against nature and adversity .