Beauty Is Embarrassing

Beauty Is Embarrassing is a noteworthy documentary from 2012 directed by Neil Berkeley, focusing on the life and work of the eccentric, influential, and highly talented puppeteer, artist, and set designer, Wayne White. It touches bases on his Southern roots, his career trajectory, personal life, and the unique philosophy he carries about life and art, encapsulated in the documentary's title itself – "Beauty Is Embarrassing".

The film spans over ninety minutes, offering viewers an in-depth look at Wayne White's journey. White, best known for his work as a designer for the iconic children’s television show "Pee Wee’s Playhouse" and his unmissable visual contributions to music videos such as Peter Gabriel’s “Big Time” and The Smashing Pumpkins "Tonight, Tonight". In a sense, Beauty Is Embarrassing is not just a portrait of an artist but also a tribute to the unseen creators behind pop culture's most memorable images.

This documentary, while spotlighting White’s work, also provides a comprehensive guide into the artist’s visions and his deft ability to make both profound and more humorously irreverent work. Berkeley adeptly chronicles Wayne’s career, starting from his early childhood in Chattanooga, Tennessee, reflecting on his inclination towards art from a very young age. White’s career evolution from a budding artist to an acclaimed art director is beautifully delineated.

The film invites viewers into a captivating exploration of Wayne's creative processes, influences, and his constant drive to make art that is both entertaining and genuine. Beauty Is Embarrassing also gains its momentum from revealing interviews with White's family, friends, and contemporaries. His wife Mimi Pond, a comedy writer, and their two children, Woodrow and Lulu, provide candid insights into White as a family man. Paul Reubens, Mark Mothersbaugh, Todd Oldham, Matt Groening, among others reveal his impact on the art and entertainment industry.

Throughout the documentary, Wayne's intrinsic artistic impulse and his ceaseless pursuit of creativity bring the narrative together. A journey from cartoonist beginnings, to success in New York and Hollywood, and transformation into fine art recognized worldwide, this story is accessible to anyone who's ever dared to follow their dreams and find beauty in the most unusual places. One of the most memorable phrases that encapsulate his creative journey is his belief that "sometimes you gotta get your hands dirty to find the beauty underneath."

Wayne's unique creativity is reflected in the aesthetic of the documentary itself. Using an array of images and footage from Wayne’s past work and personal life, combined with animations and puppetry directly influenced by Wayne’s style and vision, Berkeley creates a piece that is visually stimulating and narratively compact. He masterfully integrates animations, interviews, archives, and illustrative elements to create an engaging portrayal of Wayne’s colorful life and career.

Beauty Is Embarrassing resonates deeply, not only because of the intense humour and energy Wayne White exudes, but because it speaks to the artist's soul in everyone. It’s a comical, inspirational, and touching tale of one artist’s journey to balance love for doing irreverent, funny, and personal stuff while finding success in a creative field, told by the artist himself in the most unapologetic and entertaining way.

In the end, Beauty Is Embarrassing is more than just a celebration of Wayne White's diverse and rich body of work. It opens a window into the creative process and, more importantly, the boundless possibilities of art. It is a brilliant exposition on how an artist should maintain authenticity and remain true to their inspirations. It illuminates how a rebellious, comic spirit combined with a stubborn refusal to accept boundaries can lead to significant cultural contributions. Ultimately, it goes beyond Wayne White’s personal story to explore the universal theme of finding one's passion and doing whatever it takes to pursue that passion, because life, like art, can indeed be embarrassingly beautiful.