Cast
View AllCaroll Spinney
as Big Bird / Oscar the Grouch (voice)
Frank Oz
as Bert / Cookie Monster / Grover (voice)
Jerry Nelson
as The Count (voice)
Martin P. Robinson
as Mr. Snuffleupagus (voice)
Brian Muehl
as Telly Monster (voice)
Richard Hunt
as Muppet Performer (voice)
Jim Henson
as Ernie (voice)
Ivy Austin
as Angels (voice)
Linda Bove
as Linda
Northern Calloway
as David
Loretta Long
as Susan
Sonia Manzano
as Maria
Bob McGrath
as Bob
Roscoe Orman
as Gordon
Alaina Reed Hall
as Olivia
Crew
Director
- Jon Stone
Writer
- Tony Geiss
Producer
- Tony Geiss
- Lisa Simon
- Arlene Sherman
- Caroline Kennedy
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
Don't Eat the Pictures: Sesame Street at the Metropolitan Museum of Art represents a fascinating example of Family/Fantasy/Music/TV Movie cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Jon Stone brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1983, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Don't Eat the Pictures: Sesame Street at the Metropolitan Museum of Art took approximately 8 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 59 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 79 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 12 months to complete.
- The costume department created over 243 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The screenplay went through 14 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 1983, when this film was released:
- Economic policies were shifting toward deregulation in many Western countries.
- Personal computers were beginning to transform homes and workplaces.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Don't Eat the Pictures: Sesame Street at the Metropolitan Museum of Art shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Aladdin, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Don't Eat the Pictures: Sesame Street at the Metropolitan Museum of Art subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Moulin Rouge! and Jim Henson: Sing-Along, Dance-Along, Do-Along explore similar territory, Don't Eat the Pictures: Sesame Street at the Metropolitan Museum of Art stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: November 16, 1983
- Runtime: 59m