Cinema Society

BEING ELMO: A PUPPETEER'S JOURNEY

Average
Rating

4.2

Monday, November 07, 2011, Reading Cinemas Town Square 14 Theatre

Invited Guest: Director Constance Marks

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 7

On Screen: 4:30pm or 7:30pm (You Pick!)

Reading Cinemas Town Square 14 Theatre

Cinema Chat (Aud. 14) begins 30 minutes prior to screenings

Introduction begin 15 minutes prior to screenings (Aud. 14 & 8)

Discussion follows screenings (Aud. 14)

Jury Prize Winner, 2011 Sundance Film Festival

BEING ELMO: A PUPPETEER’S JOURNEY

Every day, millions tune in to Sesame Street to see one of the world’s most adored and recognizable characters—a furry red monster named Elmo. Yet, with all of Elmo’s fame, the man behind the icon is able to walk down the street without being recognized.

Meet Kevin Clash.

As a teenager growing up in Baltimore in the 1970s, Kevin had very different aspirations from his classmates—he wanted to be a puppeteer. More specifically, he wanted to be part of Jim Henson’s team, the creative force responsible for delivering the magic of Sesame Street on a daily basis. With a supportive family behind him, Kevin made his dreams come true.

Combining amazing archival footage with material from the present day, filmmaker Constance Marks explores Kevin's story in vivid detail and chronicles the meteoric rise of Jim Henson in the process. Narrated by Whoopi Goldberg and including interviews with Frank Oz, Rosie O’Donnell, Cheryl Henson, Joan Ganz Cooney and others, this insightful and personal documentary offers up a rare, behind-the-scenes look at Sesame Street and the Jim Henson Workshop.

Running Time: 78 Minutes

Not Rated

PLEASE NOTE: THIS EVENT TAKES PLACE ON A MONDAY!

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19-Dec-11: K - Rating: 5

Whenever anyone has asked me if I've seen a good movie lately, this one sticks in my mind!

14-Nov-11: Mroe - Rating: 4

Really enjoyed this movie and I was very fortunate to have the honor & privilege to attend and evening prior to the showing of the film to meet the creators and subject of the film, Kevin Clash (and Elmo). So I knew I was in for a treat and I enjoyed every minute...can’t help my heart from melting every time I see Elmo (especially in person!)

12-Nov-11: RichG - Rating: 3

Hate admit it, but agree that the film was boring and basically uninspired The evening was highlighted by Elmo being in the house. But for that was a dud. Hard to believe it took six years to make this.

11-Nov-11: Mark - Rating: 2

I hate to be a curmudgeon, and it's obvious that I'm in a small minority of Cinema Society members, but I've had my fill of mediocre heart-warming documentaries. This is another cloyingly charming story about a man following his dreams, very much like Dying To Do Letterman. But the movie-making, as in Letterman, is wholly undistinguished. I'm sorry to say that I found the film boring. I know that Andy is a sucker for these emotionally engaging stories, but I hope we've seen the last of films like this one for this season.

9-Nov-11: Karolen - Rating: 5

Just look at all of the comments posted on this particular evening--that says it all. What a heart warming film and I'm glad that Kevin so obviously loves "being Elmo". I may have to see if I can still find a Tickle Me Elmo Doll--I gave so many to my kids and grandkids---now I want one for myself! I'll definitely buy the DVD when it's available. Meanwhile I'm telling all of my friends to go and see this at the Ken when it opens!

8-Nov-11: PC - Rating: 5

I made my screen saver today as Elmo and Kevin Clash. I LOVED THIS FILM, and it seemed like everyone in the audience embraced it for the fun memories, warm feelings, fulfilling goals in life and following one's dream. I actually cried during the film and choked back tears in the talk after. Not sure why!!! But it was all good! Thank you Andy. You came through again!

8-Nov-11: jh - Rating: 3

BEING ELMO was wonderful, but it was wonderful mostly because of Kevin Clash. The documentary began well with Kevin’s backstory, his Sesame Street-like neighborhood and his supportive family. When the action switched to New York I began to see some seams, unlike a Jim Henson stitch, and the second half seemed to be as much about Henson as Clash. Nevertheless, the evening overall was as warm a fuzzy as Elmo.

8-Nov-11: JF - Rating: 5

I think you've found the holy grail Andy! I can't imagine anyone in the audience not appreciating this movie!

I appaud the director and writer for not only crafting an excellent documentary, but for their decision to celebrate someone not famous or infamous.

I've never wondered about the people beneath, or should I say inside, the muppets. It makes me realize how much love and passion it takes to make them come alive.

In learning about Kevin I'm struck with how beautiful it is to follow an unconventional dream, and in doing so to touch and enrich the lives of so many children.

8-Nov-11: pb - Rating: 5

Thank you Andy. Perfect cinema society evening.

Kevin Clash's parents are role models for all of us. A wonderful film that captures the audience all along the way.

Kevin Clash truly IS Elmo. I was smiling all through the film.

7-Nov-11: Margaret Downing - Rating: 4

As always, Andy went above and beyond to have Kevin (and Elmo) actually appear as guests at tonight's screening! The documentary was a real crowd pleaser -- funny and charming.

7-Nov-11: judy s - Rating: 5

At last!!!!! Uplifting, informative and inspirational. Encourages us to follow our dreams and be a little crazy. A message that can never be repeated too often.

Thanks!

7-Nov-11: Jim Stewart - Rating: 5

Wow, what a great movie! Kevin Clash is such a wonderful human being, it brought a tear to my eye just knowing there are people like him in the world. Elmo is a great character, but of course it's Kevin's heart that shines through and is the part everyone falls in love with.