Being Elmo: A Puppeteer's Journey (2011)

The Muppet Elmo is one of the most beloved characters among children across the globe. Meet the unlikely man behind the puppet - the heart and soul of Elmo - Kevin Clash.

Director:

Constance Marks

Writers:

Philip Shane, Justin Weinstein

Stars:

Kevin Clash, Whoopi Goldberg, Frank Oz

8 wins & 8 nominations.

Cast

Credited cast:
Whoopi Goldberg	...	Narrator (voice)
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Bill Barretta	...	Himself - Puppeteer
Tau Bennett	...	Himself
Fran Brill	...	Herself - Puppeteer
Carson Carr	...	Guy Eating Cake #2
Gladys Clash	...	Herself - Mother
Kevin Clash	...	Himself
Joan Ganz Cooney	...	Herself - Co-Founder - Sesame Workshop
Arsenio Hall	...	Himself (archive footage)
Cheryl Henson	...	Herself - President - Jim Henson Foundation
Jim Henson	...	Himself (archive footage)
Hugh Jackman	...	Himself (archive footage)
Kermit Love	...	Himself (archive footage)
Rove McManus	...	Himself (archive footage)
Rosie O'Donnell	...	Herself (archive footage)

Storyline

The film traces Kevin Clash's rise from his modest beginnings in Baltimore to his current success as the man behind Elmo, one of the world's most recognizable and adored characters. Millions of children tune in daily to watch Elmo, yet when Kevin walks down the street he is not recognized. Pivotal to the film is the exploration of Jim Henson's meteoric rise, and Kevin's ultimate achievement of his goal to become part of the Henson family of puppeteers. In addition to puppeteering Elmo, Mr. Clash is arguably the creative force behind today's Sesame Street, producing, directing and traveling around the globe training other puppeteers. Includes interviews with Frank Oz, Rosie O'Donnell, Whoopi Goldberg, Carroll Spinney, Joan Ganz Cooney, Marty Robinson, Fran Brill, and Bill Barretta.

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Plot Keywords:

puppeteer | interview | puppet | fireworks | walt disney world | 

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Genres:

Documentary

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG for some mild language including a brief drug reference

Details

Official Sites:

Official site

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

27 April 2012 (UK)

Also Known As:

Inside Elmo

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$22,963, 23 October 2011, Limited Release

Gross USA:

$302,652, 8 April 2012

Company Credits

Production Co:

Constance Marks Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

80 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.78 : 1

Did You Know?

Connections

Features The Dick Cavett Show (1968)

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Soundtracks

Les Z'animaux
written by Mado Marchant & Alexandra Pic
arranged by Paul Crabbe
courtesy of Panorama SAS/Society Expand Drama

User Reviews

Made me want to be a puppeteer

If you've enjoyed watching the Muppets/Sesame Street/or the like you'll love this movie. The story of Kevin Clash is not so dramatic as much as it is fascinating and a thorough exploration of the unique world and craft of Muppets. I frequently found myself giggling or chuckling during several scenes, and I was always excited whenever someone put a puppet on to see how they would bring it to life with their voice and motions. The movie showed me where to find the deep hidden meaning in puppets and shows like Sesame Street. This movie made me feel happy, and I don't know that I can explain why except that this is part of the magic of puppeteers like Kevin Clash and their craft.