If Disney's The Muppets represents pure cinematic joy then the new documentary Being Elmo represents the joy behind that joy. Chronicling the life of muppeteer Kevin Clash, this wonderful movie--which I was fortunate enough to catch at the recent Red Rock Film Festival-- tells the story of a creative individual whose life has been dedicated to bringing laughter, love, and happiness to children all over the world. In short, Kevin Clash is the embodiment of everything that his inspiration--the late iconic Muppet creator Jim Henson-stood for throughout his wildly successful career. From a look at Clash's impoverished but happy childhood, to his early beginnings as a puppet maker, to his successful run as the man behind the beloved Elmo (a job that quite literally fell into his lap), Being Elmo covers a tremendous amount of ground in a mere ninety minutes (and quite frankly, I would have been perfectly happy sitting through another two hours of this). Through intimate home videos, rare stock footage, and insightful interviews, a joyful tapestry is weaved and by the time it was all over, I was completely moved.

Being Elmo even takes time to delve into the creative process. Perhaps the most astonishing aspect of this picture are the scenes in which we see the Muppets speaking with children at public functions. When on TV., these lively characters come alive and we are never witness to the amazing artists controlling their every move. But when in public, the curtain is stripped away and we see the operators in action. What's truly amazing is to see these children interacting with the Muppets in person because while these youngsters are initially aware of the puppeteers running the show, within seconds of conversation, they are completely fixated on the Muppets themselves. Its almost as if the puppeteers are invisible. Its a testament to how talented and invested these gifted performers are. Clash has had quite an amazing run and while he's been faced with numerous challenges (the film is even so bold as to briefly touch on the disintegration of his marriage and his relationship with a daughter he barely has time to spend with), the end result is clear; Clash has touched lives. And while this picture uses this exuberant and talented individual as a focal point, Being Elmo is really a tribute to Jim Henson. A brilliant man whose love and dedication to his craft puts him in the same league as the likes of Walt Disney. Being Elmo is a special film. Seek it out.

Grade: A-