The documentary 'Pee-wee as Himself' deeply explores the complex relationship between Paul Reubens and his alter ego Pee-wee Herman, showing how Reubens often hid behind the outgoing Pee-wee persona. It interweaves the man and the character, allowing viewers to see the nuances of his humanity and the challenges of living publicly as a character he created. The film highlights Reubens' struggle to control his narrative and the impact of losing that control after a public scandal, making the story much more than a traditional biography.

Paul Reubens is portrayed as somewhat uncooperative and protective of his story during the interviews, often displaying a puckish, flippant demeanor. He engages in playful fencing with the interviewer, showing a mix of seriousness and humor. This behavior reflects his desire to control how his story is told and his discomfort with being the subject of the documentary. His personality comes across as complex, with moments of narcissism and defensiveness, which some viewers found jarring but understandable given his experiences in the entertainment industry.

The documentary explores the complex and nuanced humanity of Paul Reubens, showing both the man and the character Pee-wee Herman. It reveals a unique, complicated, and somewhat challenging person, allowing viewers to see beyond the carefully curated Pee-wee persona and media sensationalism. It presents Paul as a magical dreamer, a calculating control freak, lighthearted and kind, troubled and difficult, or a mixture of all these traits, leaving interpretation to the audience.

'Pee-wee as Himself' explores Paul Reubens' childhood, his stage work, films, and the complexities of his humanity beyond the Pee-wee Herman character. It provides a nuanced look at the man behind the bowtie, including his experiences with Hollywood culture and tabloid media, as well as his personal struggles and legacy.

The documentary shows that Paul Reubens both hid behind and was trapped by the Pee-wee Herman character, which took on a life of its own. It interweaves the persona of Pee-wee with Reubens the man, allowing viewers to see the complexities and blurred lines between the two.

'Pee-wee as Himself' uses an honest, ruthless, and uncompromising tone to depict the cynicism and hypocrisy of Hollywood and tabloid media. It is a visceral and stark profile that is also bittersweet and respectful, shaped to avoid portraying Reubens as a victim while revealing his puckish personality and humor.

The documentary includes extensive archival footage and about 40 hours of interviews with Paul Reubens. The editing and music choices are praised for enhancing the storytelling, and the footage captures both his public persona and private life, providing a rich and layered portrait.

'Pee-wee as Himself' addresses the controversies and scandals that affected Reubens' public image by showing the complexities of his humanity and the impact of media perception. It challenges simplistic victim narratives and highlights how Reubens was ahead of his time in dealing with nonconformity, inviting viewers to reconsider their understanding of him.