BEAUTY IS EMBARRASSING (Neil Berkeley, USA). 91 minutes. Rating: NNNN
His name may be unfamiliar, but his work resonates with any culture vulture. Animator, puppet maker and pop art mischief-maker Wayne White made videos for Peter Gabriel and the Smashing Pumpkins before winning Emmy awards for his work on Pee-wee’s Playhouse. Then he went to Hollywood and lost it.
His story – featuring interviews with his brilliant artist wife, Mimi Pond, Simpsons guy Matt Groening and Paul Reubens, plus tons of White’s exuberant creations – makes for a visually arresting cautionary tale.
White himself, who via word paintings finally found a practice that gives him serious art cred, is fascinating. And you’ll dig the insider’s view of Pee-wee’s Playhouse.
Apr 28, 6 pm, Bloor Hot Docs Cinema Apr 29, 1:30 pm, Isabel Bader Theatre May 6, 3:30 pm, Bloor Hot Docs Cinema.