Being Elmo: A Puppeteer's Journey
An affectionate documentary follows Kevin Clash from Baltimore beginnings to the creative mastery and cultural reach of Elmo.
Overview
Discover the inspiring journey of a puppeteer who brought joy to millions, yet remains a hidden talent in the shadows.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- None
- warm
- inspiring
- joyful
- family viewing
- inspirational viewing
What critics said
Critics broadly regard the film as a warm-hearted, inspiring, and surprisingly emotional celebration of Kevin Clash's artistry, determination, and ability to make children happy.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Kevin Clash is celebrated as the performer behind Elmo while remaining largely anonymous in public, and the film details his puppeteering, producing, directing, and training work.
Clash's childhood fascination with puppetry develops into his determination to join Jim Henson's circle of puppeteers.
The documentary connects Clash's mastery of Elmo to children's happiness, including encounters with seriously ill children who regard Elmo as deeply meaningful.
Interviews and observational material explore the tricks and skilled manipulation that give Muppets their recognizable personalities.
Films like Being Elmo: A Puppeteer's Journey, and why
Won't You Be My Neighbor?
warm, inspiring documentary portrait of an artist whose craft brings joy to children
Jim & Andy: The Great Beyond
intimate behind-the-scenes documentary about children's television, creative mentorship, and cultural legacy
Life, Animated
uplifting documentary biography centered on artistic dedication, perseverance, and the making of a beloved public figure
Movie Details
- Director
- Constance Marks
- Release Date
- 2011-10-21
- Runtime
- 80 min
- Rating
- 7.2 / 10 (158)
Cast
- Whoopi Goldberg
- Frank Oz
- Kevin Clash
- Bill Barretta
- Fran Brill
- Joan Ganz Cooney
- Arsenio Hall
- Hugh Jackman
- Kermit Love
- Martin P. Robinson
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Being Elmo: A Puppeteer's Journey about?
- An affectionate documentary follows Kevin Clash from Baltimore beginnings to the creative mastery and cultural reach of Elmo.
- What is Being Elmo: A Puppeteer's Journey like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Being Elmo: A Puppeteer's Journey as measured, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Being Elmo: A Puppeteer's Journey violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Being Elmo: A Puppeteer's Journey.
- What did critics think of Being Elmo: A Puppeteer's Journey?
- Critics broadly regard the film as a warm-hearted, inspiring, and surprisingly emotional celebration of Kevin Clash's artistry, determination, and ability to make children happy.
- Which films are like Being Elmo: A Puppeteer's Journey?
- Films with a similar feel include Won't You Be My Neighbor?, Jim & Andy: The Great Beyond, and Life, Animated.
- How long is Being Elmo: A Puppeteer's Journey?
- Being Elmo: A Puppeteer's Journey runs 80 minutes.
- Where can I watch Being Elmo: A Puppeteer's Journey?
- In United States, Being Elmo: A Puppeteer's Journey is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store.
