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

Spun-off from Sesame Street (1969)

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Soundtracks

Just One Person
Written by Hal Hackady & Larry Grossman

User Reviews

Excellent story of a man's voice we've all heard

Great documentary about the lovable man behind the voice of Elmo. It's really inspiring to see someone not only come into success from such a humble beginning, but also to be so focused from childhood at one goal.

I personally enjoyed how intertwined his career was with other puppeteers Frank Oz and Jim Henson. The way Kevin tells his stories about working with his childhood idols was so down to Earth and without pretension that I felt like I was hearing it first hand from a friend. By the end of the doc you'll feel like you've known Kevin for years, not just 90 minutes.

10 stars, I hope this gem gets the attention it deserves