What’s It About
“Jim Henson Idea Man” takes us into the mind of this singular creative visionary, from his early years puppeteering on local television to the worldwide success of Sesame Street, The Muppet Show, and beyond. Featuring unprecedented access to Jim’s personal archives, Howard brings us a fascinating and insightful look at a complex man whose boundless imagination inspired the world.
MOVIESinMO REVIEW
As a kid of the seventies, I watched many experimental shows aimed at children, such as Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, The Letter People, Captain Kangaroo, The Electric Company, and Sesame Street. For a Black kid like me, Jim Henson’s creations were more than just felt and stitches; they represented an ideal of equality, teaching us how to treat others. Jim Henson: Idea Man offers viewers a front-row seat to watch a genius at work, chronicling how a maverick puppeteer transformed ping pong balls, leather, and felt into a multi-million dollar empire. Henson was a puppeteer, filmmaker, and creator of programs such as The Muppet Show, The Storyteller, and Fraggle Rock. The film charts his journey from his early days as a bashful art student to a beloved entertainment industry mogul. Director Ron Howard uses archival interviews and behind-the-scenes footage from Henson’s commercials, TV shows, and films, complemented by talking head segments featuring collaborators like Frank Oz, Jennifer Connelly, Brian Henson, and Rita Moreno. They discuss working with Henson and what made his career unique. The film delivers a thorough, polished, charming documentary celebrating Henson’s life. However, the film isn’t all love and rainbows. It delves into how success took a toll on Henson’s personal life, chronicling his declining health, failed projects, and separation from his wife. While the film could benefit from exploring these low points in greater depth, it does provide a balanced portrayal of Henson’s life. One surprising revelation is Henson’s initial reluctance towards puppetry. Though he became the world’s most famous puppeteer, he initially saw it as a way to break into the television industry. His work in puppetry paid the bills, but it wasn’t always the art he aspired to create. Henson’s edgier influences often bubbled up in his family-friendly work as he yearned to tell darker, thought-provoking stories. These impulses manifested in his signature manic characters and risqué humor. Henson led his colleagues by example, challenging them to perform at the highest standards without being a taskmaster. He was a gentle titan who left his mark through generosity and compassion. Early in Jim Henson: Idea Man, Frank Oz recalls, “He was so internal and quiet that his inner life must have been sparkling.” Henson began his career in the late 1950s on local TV in Washington, D.C., gaining national exposure in the early 1960s as Rowlf the Dog on The Jimmy Dean Show. His 1965 detour into experimental surrealism, Time Piece, earned him an Oscar nomination for a live-action short film. Fame and fortune arrived when he collaborated with Children’s Television Workshop to create the Muppet characters for Sesame Street. Commercial American networks passed on The Muppet Show, so he took the production to London, where it became a global success. Howard blends archival footage, including priceless behind-the-scenes outtakes and personal home movies, with commentary from co-workers and family to tell the story of an ambitious spirit. Henson’s transition into film included The Muppet Movie and its sequels, and he created elaborate worlds in cult fantasies like The Dark Crystal and Labyrinth. He returned to TV with the Emmy-winning The StoryTeller, a collection of obscure European folk tales. “He was ripped away from us way too soon,” his daughter Heather laments. It’s hard not to choke up when Carroll Spinney as Big Bird sings Kermit’s signature song “Bein’ Green” at Henson’s memorial service. Jim Henson: Idea Man reminds us how much we lost when Henson passed away at the peak of his success, on the cusp of selling his company to Disney. But it also reminds us how much we gained from his optimism and humor, living on in those immortal felt characters. While Jim Henson: Idea Man may not break new ground in Henson research or documentary filmmaking, it is valuable for younger viewers curious about the man behind beloved childhood icons. It also serves as an instant nostalgia machine for their parents, many of whom will shed a tear during the footage of Henson’s memorial service. As with Henson’s legacy, I appreciated what I saw in this film, though I wished there had been more to it.
OUR RATING – A MUPPET-SATIONAL 8.5