Jim Henson Biopic In The Works The life and times of the Muppets' dad
Empire Film Group (no relation) has announced that they plan to make a movie based on the life of Jim Henson, the puppets genius behind The Muppets and Sesame Street, as well as countless wonderful film creations.
If we're honest, we know absolutely nothing about the life of Jim Henson. We know he did good work, but we don't know if there was any struggle or heartbreak or debilitating bout of polio or scurvy to be conquered in order to bring the world deceptively knowing comedians made of felt. Maybe that's the best way to go into a biopic: knowing nothing, but liking the person about whose life you're going to learn.
The company's press release says they have a screenplay by Robert D. Slane and that they're hoping to secure a high profile director "like Penny Marshall". Now, we like Penny Marshall well enough – Big earns her a permanent spot in our heart next to Karate Kid's John G. Avildsen – but do you set out for a director "like Penny Marshall" or do you just go get Penny Marshall? She's not exactly busy of late.
We'd sooner see this was directed by someone with an unusual edge, who could make the inside of Henson's brain come alive. Imagine a biopic of a puppet master directed by Michel Gondry. That would be something to see. It probably wouldn't entirely make sense, but there'd be bits with Muppets crossing between reality and fiction and lots of use of string and corrugated cardboard that would be quite enchanting and folksy. Rated PG for frequent whimsy.
not sure about this one...i love the muppets as much as the next person; fuzzy bear practically raised me, but this is harldy ever going to be finding neverland. nothing that interesting ever happened in that guy's life! they're gonna plump this up something shocking. its simply because the muppet films have become so unprofitable that hey've had to resort to 'made4tv' movies and this biopic is the last, tear filled squeeze from the franchise. ... Read More
L: Shifty Bench
It'll be a 'man has a dream and the obstacles he has to face' type story. But with 't bloody wait to be honest.
sp;
Same here. There aren't that many TV folk who I'd call a genius, but Henson is one of them. ... Read More
With the right script and director, this should be good. I am a massive Muppets fan and Henson was a genius. It will be interesting to see his inspiration in Europe, his creation of Kermit (or 'Sam'), his brief time on Saturday Night Live and the predujice the Muppets dealt with (no crap),his struggle to get the Muppet Show on the air, his friendship with Frank Oz, his marriage break-up in the 80's, his five kids, the Muppet Movies, Labyrinth, Dark Crystal, Fraggle Rock, Sesame Stree... Read More
Would love it if this film was calld 'Peoples is peoples' in honour of the speech made by Pete the restaurant owner in Muppets Take Manhattan. Watch it on you tube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQgfgB-vgT0 ... Read More
