The Business ‘Pee-wee As Himself’ director Matt Wolf on really getting to know Paul Reubens; The Media’s appeasement to the President abounds
May 23, 2025
Director Matt Wolf, known for illuminating obscure figures, discusses his latest documentary, which explores the life of Paul Reubens beyond Pee-wee Herman. He shares insights from his in-depth interviews with Reubens, revealing the actor's inner conflicts and struggles with authenticity. The conversation also touches on the media's complex relationship with political power, especially regarding Donald Trump, and the ethical dilemmas faced in the business world. Wolf reflects on the challenges of documentary filmmaking and preserving hidden narratives.
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Matt Wolf's Activism Youth Roots
- Matt Wolf was a gay teen activist who revived his high school's underground newspaper to come out.
- He lobbied for legislation changing policies on sexuality and gender identity in schools.
Paul Reubens As Unconventional Visionary
- Pee-wee's Playhouse shaped Matt Wolf through its coded messages about acceptance.
- He saw Paul Reubens as a visionary fitting his style of films about overlooked artists.
Paul Reubens' Hidden Archive
- Paul Reubens kept a monumental archive of every television appearance, digitized for the film.
- This archival treasure trove revealed unseen imagery and deepened the film's perspective.