Is the Man Who Is Tall Happy?: An Animated Conversation with Noam Chomsky

"Is the Man Who Is Tall Happy?" is a unique and fascinating documentary from filmmaker Michel Gondry, in which he engages in a series of conversations with legendary philosopher, linguist and political activist, Noam Chomsky. The conversations are illustrated in a visually striking and playful manner, with hand-drawn animations that bring the concepts and ideas discussed to life.

The film begins with Gondry explaining his motivations for making the film and his fascination with Chomsky's ideas. From there, the two engage in a series of conversations covering a wide variety of topics, from language and cognition to politics and philosophy. Throughout these conversations, Gondry illustrates Chomsky's ideas with whimsical and imaginative animation sequences, making the film as much a visual feast as it is an intellectual one.

One of the key themes explored in the film is Chomsky's theory of language acquisition, which suggests that humans are born with an innate ability to learn language, and that the structures of all natural languages are fundamentally similar. This theory, which Chomsky developed in the 1950s, has had a profound influence on linguistics and cognitive science, and the film does an excellent job of explaining it in terms that are accessible to a lay audience.

Another topic explored in the film is Chomsky's political activism, specifically his opposition to US foreign policy and its involvement in various conflicts around the world. Gondry and Chomsky discuss the way that propaganda and media manipulation can shape public perception of these conflicts, and the ways in which the US government has historically used these tactics to justify its actions.

Throughout the film, Gondry also delves into some of Chomsky's more philosophical ideas, such as his views on the nature of truth and the limits of human knowledge. Chomsky's belief in the importance of intellectual honesty and the need for critical thinking are evident throughout these conversations, and serve as a powerful reminder of the potential for intellectual inquiry to promote social progress and positive change.

In addition to Chomsky, the film also features brief interviews with other influential thinkers, including physicist Richard Feynman, who discusses his own beliefs about the nature of the universe and the limitations of human knowledge. These interviews provide additional depth and context to the ideas explored in the film, and help to situate Chomsky's work within a broader intellectual landscape.

Overall, "Is the Man Who Is Tall Happy?" is a thought-provoking and engaging documentary that uses animation and conversation to bring complex ideas to life. Gondry's visual style is a perfect match for Chomsky's ideas, and the two men clearly have a deep respect and admiration for one another. Whether you are a fan of Chomsky's work or simply interested in exploring new and challenging ideas, this film is well worth watching.