BEING ELMO

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Since he was nine–years-old Kevin Clash dreamed of one day working with “Sesame Street.” Documentarian Constance Marks tells Clash’s inspiring story, about how a young puppeteer from an impoverished family in Baltimore worked his way into the inner circle of Jim Henson’s elite company.

Great archive footage of events like the 17-year-old Kevin Clash meeting Henson puppeteer Kermit Love for the first time gives the movie a nostalgic aspect. Key scenes from “Sesame Street” reveal the practical method to the puppeteer’s craft.

As much a behind-the-scenes peek at Jim Henson’s creative process as a biopic about a kid with a vision, “Being Elmo” is about Clash’s supportive parents, who helped guide him in the direction he wanted to go. It’s also about the slow road to developing the personality for the little red puppet known as Elmo. Whoopi Goldberg narrates this entertaining and moving documentary that features interviews with celebrities such as Frank Oz and Rosie O’Donnell.

Not Rated. 76  mins.