Magical Universe

I enjoyed this film so much; my attention never wavered. Delving into Al Carbee's world is like escaping into a storybook that feels like childhood but is very much grown-up. The film evoked compassion in me for this gentle, happy, strange old man with a vivid imagination and lovely spirit. Every time I watched him on the screen, I couldn't help but feel tender towards him. I wanted to hug him! The film shows how his art is so much more than "photos of Barbies" and the essence of his work is captured beautifully. I found myself coveting some of his photos. Jeremy Workman has created a splendid narrative about an obscure artist and his wonderful little world. What a touching tribute to Al Carbee.

The compulsion to create was innate in Al Carbee and so his art, if odd, also feels necessary and natural. Even though each piece was painstakingly contrived and crafted by him, his body of work feels inevitable.

This film feels similarly motivated and is therefore one of the more moving documentaries I have seen.

What an interesting journey this documentary takes you on! I grew up collecting and playing with Barbies, but the star of the film, Al Carbee, takes it to a whole other level, and it's truly fascinating. Throughout the many rooms of his house, Carbee crafts complicated vignettes with Barbies and photographs them. The fact that the world would never know about Carbee's work if filmmaker Jeremy Workman hadn't happened upon him accidentally and realized the incredible story and friendship he stumbled upon, is incredible. Carbee had literally been quietly working alone for years and years, tucked away in his house. In Workman's hands, Carbee's "magical universe" truly comes alive, and it inspires the viewer to create something great too.

Magical Universe is an inspiring documentary and a must see for any person who considers themselves creative. Al's mantra that "a creative person has to create" rings true for anyone who's ever faced difficulty in pursuing their passion. Despite difficulties throughout his life, Al doesn't think twice about spending all of his money on supplies and dedicating his entire life to his artwork. I was so inspired by his lifelong dedication to pursue something widely considered bizarre (Barbie doll photography) and throw aside all judgment. It's truly incredible to witness one person's passion that has been contained for years released into the world and embraced by it.

You can't help but fall in love with Al Carbee and his way of approaching the world. We could all benefit from looking at life a little bit more like Al - that no matter what life throws at you, a creative person has to keep creating..

Truthfully, the documentary is odd but highly intriguing. We get to peek inside the wondrous world of an artist enamoured with creating something new everyday with the love and passion of human expression. If you are interested in watching something odd, quirky but at the same time captures your interest... this is a film worth watching. The artist in this film has rooms filled with his masterpieces that are on display for his own enjoyment. With the help of a younger couple this 80 something year old man was share his art with a broad audience. Through this film we are able to see a man close to the end of his life realize a dream of his art entering the real world for many to enjoy. This film is a reminder that doing what makes us happy keeps our imagination on it's toes and can lead to a true appreciation for the gift of life.

Truly different but interesting