Magical Universe

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.

I apply that title to both Al Carbee's work as well as this film.

Like most I was wondering where it was headed after the first 15-20 mins but when I got a look into Al's world I was amazed.

Al's work, for me, is akin to listening to a lecture from someone like Terance McKenna or Timothy Leary.

Al's dreams and the way he translates them into visual works is extraordinary and Mr. Workman has done the same thing with his work introducing us to Al Carbee.

With any luck this film will serve as an introduction to the artist known as Al Carbee.

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.

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.

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..