All this is to say that I was a very unlikely viewer to this new HBO Max 3 hours plus documentary called "Pee-Wee As Himself." But when you are recovering from hip surgery, you might watch anything the TV has to offer. I wanted to learn a little about what I did not know.
And, boy, did I ever? Indeed, this film by Matt Wolf is entertaining, compelling, and ultimately heartbreaking. This is largely due to the fact that Reubens virtually narrates the whole two episodes. This is also despite the fact that Paul doesn't really trust the filmmaker he is working with. Indeed, after shooting forty hours of interviews, Reubens stops the project abruptly. Of course, one of the reasons might have been his cancer diagnosis, a development he never shared with Wolf.
Nevertheless, this is as comprehensive a look at a major talent that you could conjure up. Paul is very sharing in all the details of his rise and then the filmmaker is very copious with the details of Pee-Wee's fall from grace. You may remember the news stories of him getting caught exposing himself in a gay porn house as well as his super-large collection of homosexual books, photos, and magazines. The latter is what probably tormented Reubens the most in this documentary and is likely the reason he backed away from completion.
Still, while nothing I saw here will prompt me to look for Pee-Wee shows on You Tube, this is a great homage to an amazing and driven talent. Like him or not, you have to admire his persistence in putting out some super-creative work. Indeed, the line that differentiates Pee-Wee from Paul is quite blurry. In some respects, the character had a more charmed life than his originator. Sad to see, but fascinating to behold.
The last five minutes will grab your heart. In an audio clip recorded one day before his death in 2023, Paul sums up his life. It encapsulates the whole amazing story.
Fan or not, check it out.
LEN'S REVIEW: Four stars.
Dinner last night: Sandwich and salad.
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