Jim Henson: Idea Man Review : This outstanding documentary pays homage to the creative mind behind Sesame Street and The Muppet Show

Story: This documentary delves into the career of Jim Henson, the puppeteer behind iconic creations such as the Muppets, Sesame Street, and Kermit the Frog.

Review: ‘Jim Henson: Idea Man’ is a captivating documentary that offers an in-depth look at the man who revolutionized the world of puppetry. It provides a rich and fascinating account of Jim Henson, the visionary behind classics like ‘The Muppet Show,’ and ‘Sesame Street.’ This film serves as an inspiration in many ways, showcasing Henson's unwavering dedication to his craft and his relentless pursuit of new ideas to push the boundaries of puppetry. One pivotal moment highlighted is when he tore his mother’s green coat and sliced a ping pong ball to create a character – Kermit - a decision that forever changed his life.

Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Ron Howard, this documentary traces the life of Jim Henson through archival footage, home videos, show clips, and interviews with collaborators. It presents an engrossing account of Henson, whose journey began on a farm in Leland, Mississippi. Early on, we learn that Henson struggled with acne in his youth and, following his mother’s advice against using medication, grew a beard instead. The documentary highlights his irresistible desire to break into television and his relentless efforts to achieve this dream. During this period, he met his wife, Jane, who played a significant role in his success. Long-time collaborator Frank Oz remarks at the beginning, “Jim was so internal and quiet that his inner life must be sparkling,” a sentiment that proves true as the documentary unfolds.

This documentary, over 100 minutes long, delves deeply into both the milestones of Jim Henson's career and his personal life. It reveals his initial hesitancy about making ‘Sesame Street’ and how ‘The Muppet Show’ faced multiple rejections from broadcast stations, forcing Henson to take the project to London where a producer finally agreed to make the show. Viewers may be surprised to learn that Kermit was not originally a frog. The film also features brilliant sketches and diary excerpts maintained by Henson. The documentary includes fantastic interviews with Fran Brill, Bonnie Erickson, Rita Moreno, members of the Henson family, and Frank Oz, who shares insights into Henson's working techniques and contrasts their differing temperaments.

The documentary portrays Jim Henson as a man constantly racing against time, driven by his desire to accomplish much within a limited lifespan. His Oscar-nominated short film ‘Time Piece,’ produced over a year, reflects his fixation on time. This obsession is traced back to the untimely death of his elder brother in a car accident at the age of 26, to whom Jim was very close. Footage of Henson working with his characters stands out as a highlight of the film, showcasing the hard work and countless hours invested in creating those captivating moments, which will certainly be a delight for viewers.

‘Jim Henson: Idea Man’ chronicles the extraordinary journey of Jim Henson, a man who never played with or even saw puppets during his childhood. Henson passed away at the age of 56, at the height of his career, leaving us to wonder what more he could have achieved with a few additional years. When Frank Oz and Jim Henson appeared on The Orson Welles Show, the legendary filmmaker described Henson as a “genius” and his creations as “superstars.” The world will certainly agree with this assessment.