Jim Henson is not unlike my Grandmother in two ways; they’re both good at sewing and I can’t picture them having sex. However, one thing he and my Grandmother do NOT have in common; he made killer puppets. My Grandma can’t make a puppet worth shit. She also doesn’t have a biopic in development based on her life. Perhaps my Grandma and Jim Henson are worlds apart.

As I’ve mentioned on the Film Junk podcast, I’m not a huge fan of biopics. I’m always distracted by the seemingly impressionistic performances by the leads. Jim Carey did a pretty good Andy Kaufman, but as much as he famously stayed in character on the set, his method acting didn’t help me get past his performance. On the other hand, I think a Jim Henson biopic may not be as problematic, simply because of the fact that he was mostly heard and not seen. Although I suppose it would be essential for a lead actor to be able to recreate some of the voices he became famous four. But really, who can’t do a convincing Kermit the frog impression? Oh right, Reed Farrington. Check him off my list of hopeful leads.

I think I’d have to go with a bearded, thinner Jeff Daniels on this one. As for a director…Spike Jonze? Michel Gondry? Bruce LaBruce? Yikes. Maybe we’ll stick with Frank Oz.

P.S. Did you know Jim Henson was nominated for an Academy Award in the short film category? Sure was. Check out his far out experimental short ‘Time Piece’.

Jim Henson’s ‘Time Piece’