The Importance of ‘Being Elmo’

Subtitled “A Puppeteer’s Journey,” Being Elmo is an acclaimed documentary that follows the career of Kevin Clash, who turned his childhood passion for puppets and imaginative characters into a successful career as the man who brings to life arguably the most popular muppet on the planet. Inspired by Jim Henson’s creations as a child, Clash’s quest to work on Sesame Street is shown through revealing home movies and footage of him appearing on talent show stages and local TV shows, and even an appearance on Captain Kangaroo on his way to fulfilling his dream of entertaining and educating children the world over. Directed by Constance Marks, the film features appearances by Whoopie Goldberg, Rosie O’Donnell and Frank Oz. Rated PG.