Film Review: Inspiration, Imagination Soar in Heartwarming ‘Being Elmo: A Puppeteer’s Journey’

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Rating: 4.5/5.0

CHICAGO – At first look, Kevin Clash seems like an everyday guy. Walking down the streets of New York City, you would have no idea that this modestly dressed and moderately built man is the man behind one of the most adored characters in the entire world; a character full of curiosity and energy as well as compassion and love; a character that created one of the most insane toy crazes the Christmas season has ever seen.

And even as Kevin Clash walks by a person on the street in an adult sized Elmo costume, it would be hard for anyone to realize that the real, out of costume Elmo is standing right there. Whether you are an adult in your mid 50s or a child who is just learning to talk, you have probably experienced the magic of Elmo in your life; now you can come to know the man that made all of that magic happen.

Winner of the 2011 Sundance Film Festival Special Jury Prize for a U.S. Documentary, “Being Elmo: A Puppeteer’s Journey” is a heartwarming and inspiring story about the puppeteer that made Elmo, the beloved Muppet character on Sesame Street, a household name. Covering Kevin Clash’s life, from his humble beginnings in Baltimore to his now steady jobs as co-executive producer of “Sesame Street” and Elmo’s puppeteer, the documentary is a true testament to following one’s dreams, no matter how much ridicule or struggle you may go through in achieving them.

Read Tim Martens’ full review of “Being Elmo: A Puppeteer’s Journey” in our reviews section.

Clash’s story begins with a revisiting of his old home in Baltimore. Clash explains the difficulties he had growing up as a child; a shy young boy that struggled with interaction with other kids and adults alike. Like most children, Clash found joy in the world of television, most significantly in shows like “Captain Kangaroo.” One day, Clash learned of a new show called “Sesame Street” and was immediately hooked. Transfixed in the magical world of these Muppet
characters, Clash decided this was something he wanted to do. In vivid detail, he recalls the story of making his first puppet at nine years old, out of fur from his father’s coat; his life would never be the same.

Soon, he was completely captivated in the world of puppetry; how the puppets were made, what materials were used on the professional puppets, and how to control and manipulate a puppet to give a piece of felt human qualities. Most of all, he was devoted to meeting the person that had created his dream: Jim Henson. Before long, Clash had created tons of his own puppets and started performing shows for his mother’s day care and charities all around the Baltimore area. He was soon discovered by a local television producer and given his first puppeteer job on television.

Continue reading for Tim Martens’ full “Being Elmo: A Puppeteer’s Journey” review.

Being Elmo
Photo credit: Submarine Entertainment