Tom Shadyac was a successful comedian, director and Hollywood goofball — the mastermind behind cinematic classics like “Ace Ventura: Pet Detective” — when accumulated head injuries and a bad bicycle accident turned his whole life upside down.
Constant pain and hypersensitivity to light and noise led Shadyac to withdraw from society; he thought he was dying and experienced a profound transformation, turning against the materialistic Hollywoood lifestyle he’d led. While his symptoms eventually subsided, Shadyac sold his mansion, started a homeless shelter and donated millions to a natural area in Colorado.
He also made a film called “I Am,” which examines this troubled world and interviews scientists, philosophers, religious leaders and others about human happiness.
The Rotary Club of Greater Clark County will use that film as a jumping-off place for “A Conversation About Peace: Let’s Talk.” Everyone is invited to participate in the screening and conversation, which is set for 2 p.m. Sunday at the Fort Vancouver Regional Library, 901 C St. It’s free and open to the public. Refreshments will be provided.
