Movies that Molded Me: Peewee’s Big Adventure

I’ve always been a huge movie fan and so many have had such an influence on me. One of the biggest to influence me, and my absolute favorite movie, is Pee-wee’s Big Adventure. For people who’ve heard of Pee-wee Herman, that name either makes you smile or cringe.

Here’s a Pee-wee primer for newbies

Pee-wee’s Big Adventure is about a true man-child of a character who’s beloved, tricked-out bicycle gets stolen. In desperation, he sets out to find it and ends up on a funny, road-trip adventure to find it and finally be reunited. A great children’s show followed, as well as another movie—which was such an unfunny departure from the first one that I don’t consider it canon.

Why it’s so great

The first 10 minutes of the movie are as full of great sight gags as the first 10 minutes of UP are of emotional ups and downs. It’s a great introduction into his childlike personality and the strange, happy little world he lives in; before his world gets shaken and his adventure starts. An adventure that ends in a very satisfying, meta way.

Pee-wee Herman is such a well-formed character. His child-like logic and reactions to the world work so well because of that. Plus, he’s able to gain friends and helpers along the way because of his sheer optimism and enthusiasm.

The movie’s direction and music also work well to “sell” the character as much as the actor and script does. It was the first feature film for director Tim Burton and composer Danny Elfman—as well as their first time working together. So. Pee-wee’s Big Adventure is partly responsible for many future hit collaborations including Edward Scissorhands and Alice in Wonderland.

It’s got a great mix of smart and dumb humor. With crazy situations, slapstick, wordplay and so many quotable lines—without stooping to easy fart jokes. Even as a kid, I appreciated that it had more layers than most appreciated and makes it still something adults can enjoy. For me, that cleverness and smart/dumb humor mix is also what makes other cult-favorite movies, such as Monty Python and the Holy Grail, so great.

How it influenced me

It was a big influence on my own sense of humor. I learned that some of the best jokes have more than one layer to them and not everybody has to “get the joke” for it to be funny or connect with someone. Humor is very subjective, so it’s impossible to please everyone. That’s why I think it’s important to have your own sense of humor and be true to it. You’ll get more enjoyment out of it and so will those whose sense of humor connects with yours.

I also learned that to sell it, you have to commit to it. Paul Reubens created the character and really commits and becomes Pee-wee so well that it makes his odd character seem more “real” and inviting. Many of my favorite comedians are those with a straight-faced, dry delivery that act like what they’re saying isn’t that strange. I think this committed delivery without a wink invites people into the joke more than offering it to them.

Pop culture oversaturation and a scandal with the actor has hindered the genius and freshness of the character for many people. That’s why I love sharing it with kids—like my nephew—who’ve never heard of Pee-wee Herman. Initially, he was trying to figure the character out and how old he’s supposed to be. Then he finally realized, “Oh, he’s just a big kid.” After he “got it,” I was glad to see him so in tune with it, he was able to finish the last great line without ever hearing it.

Yes, Pee-wee Herman is a big kid and in many ways, I guess I am too.