HBO Doc Reveals Paul Reubens' Final Reflections

The HBO documentary 'Pee-wee as Himself,' directed by Matt Wolf, offers an intimate look at Paul Reubens, the artist behind Pee-wee Herman. Drawing from over 40 hours of interviews and personal archives, the film reveals Reubens' struggle for creative control and his decision to address personal topics such as his sexuality and the pain of false pedophilia accusations, discussed in audio recorded the day before his death from cancer in 2023. The documentary explores both the rise and fall of Reubens' career, including unfinished interviews due to creative clashes and his untimely passing. It balances somber reflections on scandal and death with the vibrant, irreverent spirit that defined Pee-wee, highlighting Reubens' impact as a queer trailblazer in mainstream culture. The film provides a nuanced portrait of his influence on comedy, performance art, and generations of fans. Ultimately, it stands as both a celebration and honest reckoning of Reubens' complex legacy.