Being Elmo: A Puppeteer's Journey

 

Story:

One of the most recognized and beloved Muppets, Elmo has delighted children for years. In this look behind the puppet, we meet charming puppeteer Kevin Clash, who secured a job at Jim Henson's Children's Television Workshop and imbued Elmo with his winning spirit. A rare glimpse of the magic behind the Muppets, this documentary also serves as an inspiring tale of artistic creation and the persistence of vision. (NetFlix)

Review:

Next to Kermit the Frog, Elmo is easily the most recognizable Muppet on the planet.  Even though I’m well past Sesame Street watching age, it’s hard not to still fall for a character so excited for life.  I know I’m not alone in this belief as audiences have poured into theaters and festivals across the country to watch Constance Marks and Philip Shane’s documentary Being Elmo: A Puppeteer’s Journey.  And rightfully so, this documentary is every bit as fun, engaging and inspiring as the little red Muppet we’ve come to know and love.

Though neither director is known to the documentary world, it’s clear early on they have experience within the field.  Their film, while following a safe PBS-style, is full of little touches and flair you expect from a veteran.  You won’t find audio hiccups or poor cinematography that’s rampant in more novice filmmaking. Being Elmo knows its audience (families and kids at heart) and speaks directly to them.

For his part, Kevin Clash (the man behind Elmo) is every bit the character you’d want.  He’s gregarious, open and honest to audiences, revealing both the highs and lows of his career- allowing us to see a complete picture of the man.  Perhaps just as important, his story is truly fascinating. Whether it's stories of pulling fur out of his dad’s coat, or turning down a chance to work on Jim Henson’s Dark Crystal for the security of the Captain Kangaroo show or how he ultimately joined Sesame Street and took a nearly scrapped Muppet and made it one of the most recognizable modern day kids figures- it’s all worth watching.

Being Elmo is not without its faults though.  Choosing Whitney Goldberg as a narrator seemed a bit of an odd choice (especially when she also becomes an interview in the film) and the back and forth between the past and present will cause some confusion.  But these are faults you can live with because in the end, Clash, Elmo and their story shine through. So grab your kids (or your inner kid), grab some popcorn and enjoy the story of the little red Muppet that could.

Reviewed by Matthew Abshire for Documentary Film Online on January 23, 2012

In Conclusion: