Unmasking the Legend: A Deep Dive into "Pee-wee as Himself"
A Reflective Portrait of Paul Reubens
When it comes to biographical documentaries, archival footage often takes center stage, whisking us back to the glory days of the subject. However, in Matt Wolf’s "Pee-wee as Himself," the most captivating moments arise when Paul Reubens steps out from behind his quirky persona and reveals his true self. It’s a fascinating exploration, especially poignant as it comes after Reubens’s passing from cancer in 2023.
An Intimate Journey with the Icon
Reubens’s collaboration with Wolf resulted in a staggering 40 hours of interviews, although his nervousness about sharing his story is palpable throughout the film. At times, he seems as if he’d prefer to be the director of his own narrative, highlighting a tension between the puppeteer and the puppet. Known predominantly as Pee-wee Herman, Reubens had always exerted control over his image and understandably harbored doubts about relinquishing it to anyone else.
The Expectation Versus Reality
“I was born in 1938 in a little house on the edge of the Mississippi River,” he opens, immediately breaking with the documentary cliché. While many documentaries rely heavily on talking head interviews, Reubens’s candid moments in front of the camera shine brightly. In a world filled with superficial personas, Paul Reubens is pure hilarity, and his insightful commentary leads to a more rounded picture of a man who often cloaked himself in a rich fantasy.
The Birth of Pee-wee
The film delves into Reubens’s formative years, showcasing the profound impact of television on his life. “I wanted to jump into my TV and live in that world,” he muses, echoing many who find solace in the medium. The first half of Wolf’s documentary beautifully illustrates the array of influences—from the circus scene in Sarasota, Florida, to Andy Warhol and performance art—that coalesced into the icon that is Pee-wee.
Reubens famously coined his character’s name from a harmonica that proclaimed "Pee-wee" and a childhood friend named Herman. “It was a whole bunch of things that had never really connected connecting,” he reflects, showcasing the serendipity behind his larger-than-life character.
The Rise and Fall: Fame’s Double-Edged Sword
Wolf skillfully navigates Reubens’s journey as he emerges from the Groundlings in Los Angeles to stardom in showcases like “The Gong Show” and “Pee-wee’s Big Adventure.” He recalls the exhilarating feeling of bringing his character into the world: “I felt in a way I was bringing the character out into the wild. I just stayed in character all day.” However, this commitment came with sacrifices.
As Reubens skyrocketed to fame, he faced the repercussions of a public life. He maintained a closeted identity, and friendship ties frayed as his persona overshadowed his personal life. His tragic isolation was exacerbated by a shocking turn of events—a 1991 arrest for indecent exposure that shattered his carefully crafted image. The fallout revealed a painful truth: the world only knew Pee-wee, not the real Paul Reubens.
The Pain of Misunderstanding
The accusations faced by Reubens were steeped in unjust stereotypes, particularly regarding homophobia. He was transparent about his discomfort with portraying himself as a victim. “I won’t offer any… tears of a clown,” he asserts, highlighting his resilience amid adversity.
Wolf, who has a knack for archiving stories rather than drawing out emotions, found himself navigating a complex relationship with Reubens. While the film could have benefited from a more balanced dialogue between filmmaker and subject, capturing Reubens’s essence remains an impressive feat.
A Lasting Impression
Ultimately, Reubens wanted to correct misconceptions about himself. In a poignant moment, just a day before his death, he expressed his desire to Matt Wolf: “I wanted to let people know who I really was and see how painful it was to be labeled as something I wasn’t.”
Conclusion
“Pee-wee as Himself” is not just a film; it’s an invitation to peel back the layers of a mesmerizing character and a complicated man. This two-part documentary, which premieres on HBO and HBO Max, delivers a profound understanding of Reubens, balancing humor and heartache.
A Final Note
With a running time of 205 minutes and a rating of three out of four stars, this Warner Bros. release is a powerful exploration of identity and creativity that deserves a spot on your watchlist. Don’t miss the chance to truly understand the man behind the laughter.
For additional insights into Paul Reubens’ journey, you might find The Associated Press and The New Yorker to be valuable resources.
