Austin, TX – ‘Being Elmo: A Puppeteer’s Journey‘ takes an intimate look at the life and career of Kevin Clash, the puppeteer who redefined the character of Elmo on the popular children’s television program Sesame Street.
The documentary which screened at South by Southwest, is directed by Constance Marks, and narrated by Whoopi Goldberg, follows Clash as he strives to learn from the best puppeteers in the industry, his idol Jim Henson.
From humble beginnings in Baltimore, Maryland, Clash’s fascination with puppets became his creative outlet growing up that not everyone understood. Teased, and somewhat of an outcast at school, only his mother supported his dream and his talent.
The film chronicles how Clash entered small town television, and his eventual move to bigger productions.
‘Being Elmo: A Puppeteers Journey,’ is a film that succeeds in not only telling the story of Kevin Clash, but also of those around him at the Jim Henson Company during the early days at the studio and through to Henson’s passing. The film features lots of early footage, and touches briefly on films like Labyrinth and The Dark Crystal spearheaded by Henson.
I think viewers would be pleasantly surprised with the stories told in ‘Being Elmo’ whether you’re a fan of Sesame Street, the work of the Jim Henson Company, or simply looking for an inspiration from the rags to riches story of Clash. The movie is inspiring, and heartwarming.
[Rating:4/5]
