Watch Being Elmo: A Puppeteer's Journey

Being Elmo: A Puppeteer's Journey is a heartwarming documentary that takes us on the life journey of Kevin Clash, the creator, and voice behind the beloved Sesame Street character Elmo. Directed by Constance Marks, the film is a tribute to Clash's passion for puppetry, and the struggles and triumphs that he faced on his way to becoming one of the most renowned figures in the industry.

The movie traces Clash's humble beginnings in Baltimore, where he started making puppets as a child, to his rise to fame as the voice of Elmo. We follow him as he shares his love for Sesame Street and the Muppet family, and how he swallowed his shyness, and found his voice through his puppetry, eventually creating one of the most iconic children's characters of all time.

What sets this documentary apart is the way it showcases not only the evolution of Elmo but also the person behind him. It gives a glimpse into the creative process that went into designing, and bringing Elmo to life. From learning how to make the puppet with the iconic red fur and orange nose to perfecting Elmo's voice, Clash's attention to detail is incredible. The movie captures the intense work that puppetry requires, and how Clash's perseverance and singular passion was the driving force behind his success.

Being Elmo: A Puppeteer's Journey is a celebration of art and creativity. It's fascinating to watch as Clash demonstrates his techniques and we see him bring his imagination to life. The film also features commentary from some of the most legendary names in puppetry, including Frank Oz, who famously played Yoda in Star Wars, and Miss Piggy and Fozzie Bear in The Muppets. Their insights into the art of puppetry, and their admiration for Clan, make the documentary even more enjoyable.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Being Elmo: A Puppeteer's Journey is seeing the impact that Kevin Clash and his creation Elmo have had on the world. We get to hear from parents, children, and celebrities who have been touched by Elmo's infectious personality and optimism. It's clear that Elmo is more than just a children's character, he's a symbol of kindness, acceptance, and love.

The movie doesn't shy away from delving into the challenges that Clash had to face as he navigated the entertainment industry. We see him struggle with balancing his personal life with his ambitious puppetry career, and the toll it can take on his relationships. There are also moments where Kevin has to confront his own feelings of inadequacy, and vulnerability. These moments of honesty make the film all the more poignant, and it's hard not to feel for Clash as he struggles to find balance in his life.

Being Elmo: A Puppeteer's Journey is a triumph of storytelling, and it's hard not to be swept up in the infectious joy that both Clash and Elmo bring to the screen. The movie reminds us that sometimes, even the simplest things can have a profound impact on the world, and we should never underestimate the power of creativity and imagination.

Overall, Being Elmo: A Puppeteer's Journey is a beautifully made and inspiring documentary that will leave you with a greater appreciation for the art of puppetry, and the people who bring these characters to life. It's a touching tribute to Kevin Clash's life-long dedication to the craft, and his determination to make the world a brighter place through the magic of Elmo.

Being Elmo: A Puppeteer's Journey is a 2011 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 20 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.6 and a MetaScore of 71.