Magical Universe (2013) Reviews

• The Magic of Magical Universe

  loveitallmatt2015-05-20

  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

• Creepy, Bizarre, & Fascinating

  larrys32015-07-05

  This unique documentary, directed by Jeremy Workman, focuses on the very strange world of 88-year-old Al Carbee, residing in Saco, Maine, who has spent most of his life creating photos, diaramas, and artwork of Barbie dolls. The film can be quite creepy, bizarre, even a little erotic (as weird as that sounds), yet can also be fascinating at the same time. While on vacation in Maine with his girlfriend Astrid, the filmmaker Workman got a tip from a local newspaper photographer to check out Carbee at his home, where the odd and reclusive senior might be a good subject for a future documentary. Carbee allowed Workman to view some of his meticulous creations involving Barbies, that he had been working on, in private, for over 45 years. Workman did create a short film (less than 4 minutes long) from the visit, but in time, as a friendship developed between the two men, he was able to expand it to this movie. In the last third of the film, they'll be some real twists and surprises for the viewer, which, overall, all add up to a remarkable experience. I saw how some reviewers felt that this movie exploited Carbee, and I did get some sense of that while watching it and even afterwards. However, in my opinion, it didn't cross that line especially with Carbee so enthusiastic about his works and how they might be shown.

• A compassionate look at a strange, lovely artist

  matchka-439562015-06-29

  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 Magic of Humanity

  beai-787892016-01-14

  An impromptu change in their vacation schedule leads filmmaker Jeremy Workman and his then fiancé, Astrid von Ussar to a meeting with Al Carbee. A widower residing in a small town in Maine, Carbee is also a resident of his own universe, driven to endlessly create a personal landscape populated with a myriad of Barbies in countless scenes and situations which he then photographs and catalogs. His home is akin to a DIY fun-house, complete with man-made underground caverns and upper rooms where he toils in virtual solitude and anonymity. I must admit to lukewarm expectations prior to screening this documentary; too often studies of this sort are either one- dimensional or tend to present eccentric creators in a rather tongue-in-cheek, vaguely insulting way. Instead, how surprised - and delighted - I was to see Al's universe through the eyes of Jeremy Workman, how privileged I was to experience their resulting friendship and subsequent journey as their lives intersected in a way that so often happens -- quite by accident. How satisfying and uplifting and yes, heartbreaking, to see two lives forever changed and enriched thanks to a moment in time that came so close to never happening. I was brought to tears, filled with both sadness and hope and finally, gratitude to have watched what Jeremy Workman and Al Carbee gave to each other and, in a very real sense, to a wider audience like myself. MAGICAL UNIVERSE is not merely a chronicle of a widowed recluse who photographs Barbie dioramas. It is a celebration of humanity, a love letter to friendship, a reminder that, while the world may be a vast and mysterious place, we are just a single detour away, always within reach of our own magical universe.

• Totally fantastic and endlessly inspiring

  laurajpbinks2015-09-17

  Wow!!!! Just watched Magical Universe - what an incredible adventure! I watched it with my friend Margaret. We were so moved by Al's story, artwork and creations. As one of his 'public' proclaims 'Al is a true eccentric', going about his life and artwork regardless of what anybody (especially his wife!) thinks. And yet he does have this yearning and searching for understanding and acceptance. He's proud of his work, happy to share his thoughts, but often asking if his ideas are reasonable. It was so uplifting and life affirming to see Al unburdened when his life's work, obsession and dream world was taken outside his home. Jeremy and Astrid's friendship with Al is equally moving. It was so lovely to see this young couple somewhat adopt this kooky creative grandfather figure. What an amazing sequence of events to have happen and have been recorded. Thank you for making the longer version of the documentary Jeremy, you've touched and inspired us, Laura and Margaret