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Getting a Focus on Jim Henson

Editorial Review

Editorial Review

It's time to play the music, it's time to light the lights – and this time the focus is on Jim Henson, the creator of some of television – and film's – best-loved characters: the Muppets.

ACMI is screening a stunning showcase of Jim Henson material, dating back to the 1950s, from September 4 – 14, from The Dark Crystal and The Muppet Movie, through to rarely seen clips from Sesame Street, commercials and rareties. Co-curator Jim Knox gives us the background behind the programme.

What inspired you to put together this collection of films?
Ten years ago, I was doing some archival work, which included some old 16mm prints. I came across some strange things that Jim Henson had done in the 1960s; some corporate micro-films for IBM, which included a prototype of Cookie Monster pulling apart a coffee machine. They had this great anarchic and wacky quality.
A couple of years later, with some friends of mine, we had a film society, and every time we screened some of these early Muppet films, they were an epiphany. So from that, this programme seemed like a really great thing to do; to combine material fondly remembered material with more obscure, archival material.

Did you have to work hard to get the collection together?
Dealing with a corporate entity like IBM was a bit tricky – they're quite protective of their franchise. The Children's Television Workshop was also protective – and a bit squeamish about some of the more experimental footage. But as an archivist, this is their most exciting and surprising work. Some of the things were harder to get the rights for… if I'd been able to indulge my mad whim, the whole thing would have been this kind of crazy material!

What is it about the Muppets that appeals to both children and adults?
It's an elemental thing, the way they're designed; the fact that they're monsters all made of fun fur and big googly eyes. There's a psychological theory about dysmorphism and body shape, but they're child-like; basically a big head, small torso, skinny arms and big eyes. The Muppets have simple personality traits that you can relate to, especially with Sesame Street. I honestly don't know; it's quite a unique media phenomenon.

What's your favourite footage in the programme?
It's all really fantastic, but the thing I think will be overlooked is the programme of short films by Marv Newland and Sally Cruikshank. They were independent filmmakers who supported their work by doing commissioned work for Sesame Street in the 1960s. They're amazing, and really special.

Who's your favourite Muppet?
It changes, it depends on my mood, but I'm fairly partial to most of them. Grover I find a bit irritating. But Statler and Waldorf, the hecklers from The Muppet Show are good value. I've always found Ernie fairly hilarious, he's got a goofy, wacky sense of humour.

If you were a Muppet, who would you be?
Oh boy, I don't know! I remember at one point, Cookie Monster had a cousin or a nephew introduced into Sesame Street, Apple Monster. He was there to encourage healthy eating, but I think he got written out after one or two seasons! I'd like to be him, because he was ridiculous in an appealing and wholesome way.

Tim Hunter, Citysearch Movies Editor

Focus on Jim Hensonscreens at ACMI 4- 14 September. Check out the ACMI website for screening details.