Josh and Benny Safdie, better known as the Safdie Brothers, have built quite a name for themselves rather quickly in the world of Hollywood. This was most recently facilitated by their work on 2019’s Uncut Gems which they co-wrote and directed, which was critically acclaimed and earned Adam Sandler the Independent Spirit Award for Best Male Lead. The brothers are no stranger to Hollywood however, and still under 40 years old they are looking at a long and likely successful career ahead of them. They appear to be taking a step in this direction in partnership with HBO, producing a documentary about actor Paul Reubens, otherwise known as Pee-wee Herman.
In the late 1980’s, shows like The Pee-wee Herman Show and Pee-wee’s Playhouse and the film Pee-wee’s Big Adventure propelled Reubens to stardom as Pee-wee Herman, the childish man who lived in what many would describe as the ultimate childrens playhouse. This was brought to an abrupt end however when Reubens was arrested in July 1991 for public masturbation, making him the subject of mockery and ostracized him from the industry he built his name. Though his second series had already run its course by this time, it ruined any opportunities of syndication or merchandizing for the actor and his work. He would stage a minor comeback throughout the 1990’s, but he was disrupted again when he was arrested in 2002 on posession of child pornograhy; there was an immense amount of confusion and uncertainty in the case, and the charge was later reduced to obscenity. A complex story to say the least, and certainly worth telling given the cult status of Pee-wee Herman’s cult status.
Though Pee-wee Herman had his greatest reign in the 80’s, it is a reign that hasn’t ended for four decades. The character has remained a subject of pop culture fascination, and the actor’s antics only add fuel to the fire. While the subject matter may be a bit touchy at points, the Safdie Brothers are talented filmmakers known for their dark yet realistic style of storytelling that is sure to do justice to the story. HBO is certainly going to provide the Safdie Brothers all the tools they need for success, and fans of the Brothers’ work can remain excited for the upcoming documentary.
