Featuring unprecedented access to Jim Henson's personal archives, filmmaker Ron Howard brings us a fascinating and insightful look at a complex man whose boundless imagination inspired the world.
Director Ron Howard‘s “Jim Henson: Idea Man,” now streaming on Disney+, offers a heartfelt and comprehensive tribute to one of the greatest creative geniuses to have ever lived. Anyone with nostalgia for “The Muppets” is going to adore this film and its intimate portrait of the man behind the magic. The documentary takes a deep dive into the mind and life of Henson, capturing the spirit of a man whose boundless imagination and unconventional creativity forever changed the landscape of pop culture entertainment across the globe.
The film stands out by celebrating the full spectrum of Henson’s work, not just his beloved Muppets. Viewers are treated to amazing archival footage, sketches, personal diaries, and rare home movies, including surprising clips from his experimental short films, all of which showcase Henson’s extraordinary talent and innovative spirit. (The film includes new interviews with Henson’s closest collaborators and children, too, which help to complete the full picture of his life and career). The documentary provides a fascinating glimpse into the creative process behind the main thing that put Henson on the map: his wacky puppet shows that were made for adults instead of geared towards children.
Howard focuses part of his film on Henson’s professional partnership with Frank Oz, which is going to be remembered as a legacy of two artists who lived and breathed creativity. It was a magical collaboration that spanned decades, and the documentary pays homage to all of the great work they made together.
Despite an interesting subject of a beloved icon, the documentary is very straightforward and conventional. It veers into bland, informational territory a bit too much, and lacks any sort of artistic flair (which is a tad ironic, considering Henson’s legacy). The film is overly positive and made with a clear admiration of its subject, but it’s nearly impossible not to feel warm and fuzzy about a man who spent his life radiating positivist through his work.
“Jim Henson: Idea Man” is a lovely celebration of the life, imagination, and artistic evolution of a man who became a true global phenomenon. If you’ve ever been touched by Henson’s work, this documentary is a nostalgic journey that you’ll want to check out.
