LOS ANGELES—I caught up with Tom Shadyac, the famed producer, director, and actor recently at a press round table for his new documentary I Am. Sitting in his company was like having a cup of tea with old friends—pleasant, interesting and open. His sense of humor is self-deprecating and he responds to questions with well-thought out answers, honesty, and friendliness. One left the round table feeling like something wonderful had just been shared.
With blockbuster films Ace Ventura, Liar Liar, Bruce Almighty, Evan Almighty, and Patch Adams to his credit, he achieved what some might describe as the ‘American Dream.’ Yet, a single life-threatening event would change his perspective on life, resulting in him making a very different kind of movie from the comedies he’s become famous for.
A 2007 cycling accident left Shadyac with Post Concussion Syndrome (PCS), a condition where the symptoms of the original concussion would not go away. His symptoms included intense and painful reactions to light and sound, severe mood swings, and a constant ringing sound in his head. Months passed in isolation and pain. In the film’s press notes, he also elaborates on this time period.
With blockbuster films Ace Ventura, Liar Liar, Bruce Almighty, Evan Almighty, and Patch Adams to his credit, he achieved what some might describe as the ‘American Dream.’ Yet, a single life-threatening event would change his perspective on life, resulting in him making a very different kind of movie from the comedies he’s become famous for.
A 2007 cycling accident left Shadyac with Post Concussion Syndrome (PCS), a condition where the symptoms of the original concussion would not go away. His symptoms included intense and painful reactions to light and sound, severe mood swings, and a constant ringing sound in his head. Months passed in isolation and pain. In the film’s press notes, he also elaborates on this time period.
