Magical Universe (2014)

The Worst Film Ever

Excellent adaptation.

Good films always raise compelling questions, whether the format is fiction or documentary fact.

It’s not bad or unwatchable but despite the amplitude of the spectacle, the end result is underwhelming.

This making of this film was clearly a labor of love. It is a great movie, and not a mere "project" as one IMDB user reviewer falsely describes it. The filmmaker, Jeremy Workman, had to walk a tightrope between pity and piety, and only his honest and fearless love for his subject, a mysterious, bizarre and eccentric old gentleman, Al Carbee, kept him aloft. The result is a MUST SEE for audiences of all kinds. This film is not political; it doesn't have an agenda; it doesn't have a cause or an ax to grind; it is neither mean-spirited nor sarcastic; it's just plain weird fun, that pulls you in, engages you, but then, most surprisingly, leads you to ponder the most profound questions that one can ask. Fact is stranger than fiction, and the story of Al Carbee illustrates this strange fact perfectly. Mr. Workman's brilliance is evident in his artful slow peeling back of the layers of the endless onion that is the bizarre enigma of Al Carbee. You have to see this movie for yourself to understand why it keeps affecting people so deeply, and has garnered such a following, a growing following. The real mystery is this: was Al Carbee a silly old fool, or a sly mystical sage? What did Al Carbee actually know? Where did he actually go? And most important, what is and where is Epicuma?

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

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.

I rate this film a "10" for the sheer uniqueness of its subject, and the way the exploration and discovery of Mr. Karbee is threaded through the variety of scenes and interviews and interactive events. Mr. Workman is a dynamite editor. This film is a documentary about a very present-day man - a person not easily contained under one discipline, or field, or skill, if you like, but an artist at least, an artiste in all, an arranger, a master builder in his way, a couture, a realist, a visionary, a dreamer who lived day & night for his passion in innocence, and with a consciousness - the master behind all his creativity - near limitless and certainly profuse. And he is no stranger to expressing his mind. Al Karbee and Jeremy Workman entered into the experiences of each other. The film is told with humor, amazement, and compassion. And there is success, and success did not spoil the artist.