Jim Henson: The Visionary Behind the Muppets is Honored in a Film That Also Addresses His Darker Side
Henson is depicted as an introverted and tranquil individual who would introduce the world to Kermit the Frog, unintentionally assume a family-friendly producing position in "Sesame Street," and struggle to broaden his horizons with films like "The Dark Crystal" and "Labyrinth," which have gained more acclaim over the years than when they were initially released.
Frank Oz, whom Henson enlisted from high school to collaborate, highlights Henson's unique nature, while relating amusing tales like how Henson crafted Kermit from his mother's coat and cut a ping pong ball in half to create the eyes.
Despite this, director Ron Howard in "Idea Man" and Henson's children, Brian and Lisa, who entered the entertainment industry, address Henson's more complicated personal life. Lisa Henson describes it as a "busy life" while Brian Henson talks about the tension at the dinner table and his father's struggles with the pressures of success. Henson's creative longing started when he left the US to produce "The Muppets Show" in England after US networks didn't show interest, but yearned to keep pushing boundaries showcased in the experimental films he made during his early career.
Henson was negotiating to sell his company to Disney, partially to return to creating films and disengage from business anxieties, when he passed away from toxic shock syndrome in 1990 at age 53. A clip of ABC News anchor Peter Jennings reflects the impact Henson had on the culture: "It's like a death in the family."
Those close to Henson discuss his restlessness in the documentary, which might account for his extensive accomplishments in a brief time frame, seamlessly emphasizing his talent with a variety of clips, ranging from his early works to his directing efforts in the 1980s up to Orson Welles interviewing him and Frank Oz.
Kermit might have crooned that being green isn't simple, but through the documentary "Jim Henson: Idea Man," it's effortless to appreciate the mind that conjured up the Muppets and more, while acknowledging the human imperfections of the hand that crafted them.
The premiere of "Jim Henson: Idea Man" is scheduled for May 31 on Disney+.
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The documentary "Jim Henson: Idea Man" highlights Henson's dedication to the world of entertainment, continuously pushing boundaries with innovative projects like "The Dark Crystal" and "Labyrinth." His children, Brian and Lisa, also share stories about the pressures and complexities in Henson's personal life as a renowned entertainer.
In his quest for creative freedom, Henson moved to England to produce "The Muppets Show" and later negotiated a deal with Disney, aiming to refocus on filmmaking and alleviate business stress.
