Fresh
Constance Marks's film is a simple cut-and-paste job, drawing on new interviews and archive, but what it lacks in refinement it makes up for in infectious warmth.
Dave Calhoun, Time Out
Being Elmo: A Puppeteer's Journey
2011 · 1h 20m · PG
Documentary
Directed by
Constance Marks
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Being Elmo: A Puppeteer's Journey
Overview
Beloved by children of all ages around the world, Elmo is an international icon. Few people know his creator, Kevin Clash, who dreamed of working with his idol, master puppeteer Jim Henson. Displaying his creativity and talent at a young age, Kevin ultimately found a home on Sesame Street. Narrated by Whoopi Goldberg, this documentary includes rare archival footage, interviews with Frank Oz, Rosie O’Donnell, Cheryl Henson, Joan Ganz Cooney and others and offers a behind-the-scenes look at Sesame Street and the Jim Henson Workshop.
Director and cast
Critics on Rotten Tomatoes
Top critics, in their words
95%
Tomatometer
Fresh
[Clash is] portrayed as a mild-mannered, kind, giving, supremely talented soul, with a deep love for the puppet he animates and the children who love him.
Marsha Lederman, Globe and Mail
Rotten
Despite an exhaustive series of interviews with famous puppeteers and a few celebs (among them Whoopi Goldberg, who also narrates), it's a documentary that feels a bit tedious by journey's end.
Bruce Demara, Toronto Star
Fresh
Being Elmo: A Puppeteer's Journey" is the story of a young man who knew what he wanted to do and did it, who made his dreams real. This may be the most truly American movie in memory.
Tom Long, Detroit News
Fresh
Watching Clash realize his dream is gratifying, and the behind-the-scenes Muppets stuff is fun.
Walter V. Addiego, San Francisco Chronicle
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