Documentary filmmaker Matt Wolf spent over a year working with the late Paul Reubens on “Pee-wee as Himself,” now streaming on HBO Max. The project was almost derailed due to creative control issues, but after Reubens’ death in 2023, Wolf saw an opportunity to create a meaningful film.
Reubens wanted to direct his own documentary, but eventually agreed to let Wolf take the reins. The two had a complex dynamic, with Reubens rebelling against the process and Wolf struggling to get through interviews. However, this tension is now seen as a significant form of portraiture, showcasing Reubens’ discomfort and uncertainty about sharing himself.
The documentary focuses on the prehistory of Pee-wee, exploring Reubens’ childhood, artistic awakening, and his early days as an improv artist. It also delves into his sexuality and the personal sacrifices he made to come out as a gay man. The film aims to set the record straight about controversies surrounding Reubens’ past arrests.
Wolf’s goal was to create a film with a wide range of emotions, from joy to tragedy, to help audiences connect with Reubens on a deeper level. With “Pee-wee as Himself,” he achieved this, leaving a lasting impact on viewers who experienced the emotional intensity of the documentary.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/peewee-documentary-paul-reubens-e55cbf7574d2afc3daa8a7e33359ab2d