Matt Wolf Releases Two-Part Documentary on Paul Reubens' Life

The HBO documentary "Pee-wee as Himself," directed by Matt Wolf, offers an intimate and complex portrait of Paul Reubens, the creator of the iconic character Pee-wee Herman, exploring both his public persona and private struggles. Wolf reveals a challenging dynamic during production, with Reubens initially resistant and rebellious, reluctant to fully share his story, creating a power struggle that ultimately became integral to the film's narrative. The documentary draws from over 40 hours of interviews and extensive archival footage, depicting Reubens' efforts to control his image amid personal and legal controversies, including his guarded sexuality and health issues. Wolf and Reubens chose to document their evolving relationship as part of the film, highlighting Reubens' ambivalence about fame and being publicly known after a career marred by scandal. The film not only chronicles Reubens' career achievements and setbacks but also captures moments of his internal conflict and desire for authenticity. Through this approach, "Pee-wee as Himself" presents a bittersweet, revealing look at the man behind the character, balancing his humor with his vulnerability and complexity.