Now streaming on Disney+ is the documentary film, Jim Henson: Idea Man. The film – directed by Ron Howard – tells the story of the late Muppets creator, and follows his journey from creative wiz kid through to his status as the most famous puppeteer in the world.
Featuring contributions from family, friends, and colleagues, and utilising extensive archive material to tell the story, Jim Henson: Idea Man takes audiences on a jaunt through the highlights of Henson’s life. The film covers all of the milestones you expect, including the creation of the Muppets and Sesame Street, and all of the things you probably don’t expect, including his work in commercials and experimental films.
During his short lifetime (Henson died at the age of 53), he was more than just the man behind Kermit and Big Bird – he was a hugely creative force filled with insurmountable imagination. Jim Henson: Idea Man makes this clear by casting a net over Henson’s work to provide a more detailed portrait.
Beginning with Henson’s first flushes with television during the 1950s, Jim Henson: Ideas Man shows the early days of his career, where he was throwing things together and thinking outside of the box. Some of his initial work was scrappy and a little rough around the edges, but the ideas were all there, as was the potential.
The documentary then moves through his work on Sesame Street in the late 1960s, as well as his desire to deliver The Muppets in the 1970s. Both of these properties were signature creations for Henson, and the docu-film ensures enough time is spent on each.
From here, the film then moves into Henson’s movie work in the 1980s, covering The Dark Crystal and Labyrinth, as well as the creation of studio workshop, Jim Henson’s Creature Shop. This is then followed by a section on Henson’s untimely death in 1990, as well as his legacy which has lived on for decades ever since.
In between all this, Jim Henson: Idea Man talks about Henson’s relationship with wife Jane; his connection to his children, his colleagues, and his art; as well as the sheer joy he brought to millions. The film is a celebration of his life, his achievements, and his inventiveness, all crammed into just under two hours.
If you’re a fan of Henson, then watching Jim Henson: Idea Man is a no brainer. The film has been put together with love and care, to capture the essence of the man and his work.
It’s mostly positive stuff, with no real bad content, and this makes for an enjoyable watch. This isn’t a puff piece, merely a showcase of someone who was adored and respected by those who knew him.
If the documentary has any faults it’s the simple fact it’s not long enough. With Henson being the driving force behind so many projects, there’s simply not enough time to cover everything.
The likes of Fraggle Rock, The Storyteller, and The Jim Henson Hour get a mention, but that’s all there is, and it’s a shame these fantastic projects aren’t covered in any depth. These shows and so many more legacy titles (Bear in the Big Blue House, The Hoobs, etc) deserve the opportunity to shine.
Either way, what Jim Henson: Idea Man serves up is informative, entertaining, and inspiring stuff. It offers a snapshot into Henson’s creative sphere, and shows what a positive force one man can be.
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