Long before he became the face behind the Muppets, he was dreaming about Broadway musicals, experimental films, commercials, and fantasy epics.
Thanks to Liz Kelly for recommending this one!
Trailer for “Jim Henson: Idea Man”
You Can’t Make This Sh!t Up
- Jim Henson created Kermit before “The Muppet Show” even existed. The frog first appeared on local Washington, D.C., TV in 1955, years before he became a global icon.
- In his 36-year career, Henson helped create Kermit, Miss Piggy, Big Bird, Cookie Monster, “Sesame Street,” “The Muppet Show,” “Fraggle Rock,” “The Dark Crystal,” and “Labyrinth.”
- Henson died suddenly in 1990 at just 53. He was still at the height of his creative run and was even in talks to sell his company to Disney.
Watch “Jim Henson: Idea Man”
You can watch “Jim Henson: Idea Man” on Disney+.
Ratings:
- My Rating: 92/100
- IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
- Rotten Tomatoes Ratings: 92/100 (Users); 98/100 (Critics)
Director’s Note: Ron Howard directs this documentary with full access to the Henson family archives. It includes home movies, journals, sketches, behind-the-scenes footage, and personal interviews.
Release Date: 2024
Other Unique Stuff
- One of my favorite parts is seeing pages from Jim Henson’s handwritten journals. He filled notebooks with character sketches, story ideas, business plans, and random creative thoughts. You realize he almost never stopped creating.
- Watching the behind-the-scenes footage gives you a whole new appreciation for the performers. Many scenes required puppeteers to spend hours crouched under sets or holding their arms above their heads just to bring one character to life.
Wrap Up:
I loved this one because it focuses just as much on Jim Henson, the endlessly curious artist, as the entertainer. Even if you grew up with the Muppets, you’ll come away realizing his imagination was even bigger than you remembered.
Thanks for reading!
Heather Fenty, Guest Writer, Daily Doc