Magical Universe
Magical Universe
| 31 October 2014 (USA)
Magical Universe Trailers

A documentarian strikes up an odd friendship with reclusive 80 year old outsider artist Al Carbee, whose strange Barbie-doll photography gains acclaim and interest over the course of the project's multi-year history. Far beyond a portrait of an eccentric, Magical Universe is about wonder, friendship, and the transcendent power of creativity

Reviews
gracermcnally

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.

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laurajpbinks

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

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matchka-43956

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.

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loveitallmatt

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

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