Cast
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Joan Ganz Cooney
as Self
Jim Henson
as Self (archive footage)
Jon Stone
as Self (archive footage)
Frank Oz
as Self (archive footage)
Caroll Spinney
as Self
Bob McGrath
as Self
Sonia Manzano
as Self
Emilio Delgado
as Self
Lloyd Morrisett
as Self
Sharon Lerner
as Self
Christopher Cerf
as Self
Roscoe Orman
as Self
Brian Henson
as Self
Lisa Henson
as Self
Loretta Long
as Self
Crew
Director
- Marilyn Agrelo
Producer
- Lisa Diamond
- Ellen Scherer Crafts
- Trevor Crafts
Reviews
Louisa Moore - Screen Zealots
The terrific documentary “Street Gang: How We Got to Sesame Street” features awesome archival footage that takes viewers behind the scenes of the hit children’s television show. Based on the best selling book by Michael Davis, director Marilyn Agrelo‘s film explores the origins of the show and dives deep with intimate video clips from the past, classic scenes from the PBS series, and extensive interviews with the creative visionaries that changed the world of kid’s t.v. forever.
Even if you aren’t a fan of “Sesame Street,” there is so much to love about this film. There’s an extensive history about how the show came to be, including the earliest ideas of using advertising techniques to educated instead of sell to children. There’s Joan Ganz Cooney, who had the brilliant idea of using the medium as a tool to make a quality program that could teach young children through entertainment. One by one, talented innovators were added to the roster, including legendary puppeteer Jim Henson and director Jon Stone, two men who had a huge amount of influence and impact on the show’s success.
The documentary is fast paced and packs in a ton of information in a neat and orderly way. It’s assembled well and is so compelling that I wish the film had been longer. There are countless nuggets of information revealed here, like the fact that the show’s target audience was inner city black children, and that this multicultural representation that was years ahead of its time was actually once banned by broadcast stations in Mississippi. It’s a treasure trove of trivia that will delight anyone familiar with Big Bird, Maria, Ernie, Oscar the Grouch, Kermit, Gordon, and the crew.
“Street Gang: How We Got to Sesame Street” is a time capsule celebration of the revolutionary cultural phenomenon.
Mar 9, 2021
Thematic Analysis
Street Gang: How We Got to Sesame Street represents a fascinating example of Documentary 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 Marilyn Agrelo 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 2021, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Street Gang: How We Got to Sesame Street took approximately 14 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 107 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 166 minutes long.
- The musical score contains over 48 unique compositions.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 5 months to complete.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 2021, when this film is released:
- Artificial intelligence was becoming increasingly integrated into daily life and creative industries.
- The COVID-19 pandemic transformed global health, economics, and social interaction.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Street Gang: How We Got to Sesame Street shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Sesame Street: 50 Years of Sunny Days, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Street Gang: How We Got to Sesame Street offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Blackadder's Most Cunning Moments and RM: Right People, Wrong Place explore similar territory, Street Gang: How We Got to Sesame Street stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: April 23, 2021
- Runtime: 1h 47m
Where to Watch
