
Pee-wee as Himself: The Posthumous Rise of the Larger-Than-Life Persona
Film Reviews
Sundance Episodic Review: Pee-wee as Himself
Director: Matt Wolf
Elara Pictures, HBO Documentary Films
Premiere: 01.23
Throughout my rose-tinted upbringing, I’ve looked up to some wacky role models. For my writing, it was shamelessly Hunter S. Thompson, who is now every up-and-coming writer’s idol just to slip hard drugs and jot down what happens. For art, it’s the minds of Jamie Hewlett or Lev Sibilla. However, when I thought I was the only weirdo in this world, Pee-wee Herman told me I wasn’t alone. Pee-wee’s Playhouse or Pee-wee’s Big Adventure was my go-to home rental when Hollywood Video was still around. The zany, eccentric rebel journeying through bizarre, kid-friendly side quests — along with his cast of usual friends, whether human or crude puppets — became a facet of ‘80s pop culture. However, for the longest time, the origins of the childlike man were clothed in ambiguity, like his pale grey suit and red bowtie. Who was this strange guy? Where did he come from? Well, within the walls of the playhouse or in the basement of the Alamo, Pee-wee’s workaholic creator engaged in a restless inner battle of self-hatred and perfectionism.
Pee-wee as Himself is an HBO episodic documentary focusing on the kid show genius Paul Reubens and his life in the spotlight. Beginning with Reubens’ adolescence and moving towards his arthouse college years, Reubens would take a chance at stardom by participating in the improvisation and sketch comedy group The Groundlings. There, with the support from later celebrities like Phil Hartman (Saturday Night Live) and Cassandra Peterson (Elvira), Ruebens developed his signature character that flourished into comedic dynamite. From stand-up gigs to the 1985 film directed by Tim Burton, ultimately striking gold with the weekend morning kid’s show, Reubens was on a roll! With somber interjections from the man himself, though, the audience discovers the muddier side to fame as Reubens struggles with his lonely, closeted sexuality. The riding-high lifestyle would only come crashing down when false allegations of him self-pleasuring in an adult theater and possessing child pornography circulated, tanking his career. All of these were brought to light and explained in-depth by Reubens himself, giving us every side of the story in crystal clear detail.
Finishing this docu-series of sorts was refreshing, to say the least. You’ll glance at these “Where Are They Now” segments of rockstars trying to milk every last second of fame from their relapsing, sold-out dignity. However, Reubens wears his faults (and wonderment) on his skin, as there’s nothing to hide. These topics are heavy-duty, but Reubens discusses them like a deep exhale — finally able to breathe without the press bending and twisting the story. Even when the director tries to ask him a question, Reubens sends friendly banter in Wolf’s direction. Yes, he’s willing to play along, but Reubens wants the exact truth without any misconceptions. There’s that little ember inside him still willing to bug and make people laugh.
I wonder if the hardest part of the episodes was sitting in an uncomfortable theater chair for nearly three and a half hours… but God, it was worth it in the most heartbreaking of ways. The cast and crew didn’t know it, but Reubens was dying from both myelogenous leukemia and metastatic lung cancer mid-production. Some audience members walked out early after the three-hour mark and boy, did they miss a solace of an ending. The final couple of scenes show Reubens’ personal collection of knick-knacks and artifacts he’s accumulated over the years — pieces pried from the playhouse set, ornate glassware, discarded action figures, the red and white Schwinn DX cruiser — that looks like a flea market at the The Neon Museum Las Vegas. You’re glancing at the pieces, with snippets of homemade footage from his house in the Hollywood Hills. Then you hear his voice: the raspy, smoker’s cough voice jammed up with oxygen tubes and heart monitors. You don’t see him, yet you know he’s in pain as he hopes he gave his fans some glee to get them through their mundane lives…
Pee-wee as Himself was phenomenal, to say the least. There are those who will still think Reubens was one of those silver screen weirdos, but this show gives some clarity. He was a man who wanted to entertain the world, and nearly shattered himself in the process. So, I think the least we could do is keep his films and shows for future generations. Would I justify the extensive runtime? Absolutely — just be sure to have a tissue on standby. Thanks for making me laugh, Mr. Herman! —Alton Barnhart
Read more of SLUG’s coverage of the 2025 Sundance Film Festival.