winnebago man at the lagoon, local reviews

When I first heard about the documentary Winnebago Man, the story of the man behind the infamous YouTube clips of the same name, I had no idea how one would fill a feature length film with compelling content.  Like so many other Internet sensations, this just seemed like a way to exploit truly funny and original material for cheap money in a more traditional, financially-proven medium.  After reading reviews for this film in the Strib and PiPress, I still have little idea of what goes on the movie, but I'm less skeptical than I was a few months back.

In this documentary, filmmaker Ben Steinbauer takes center stage in his pursuit of the man behind these bizarre, no-budget commercials, Jack Rebney.  It appears that their discussions come across topics like the legacy such stardom leaves for individuals, as well as the intentions one has in making a documentary of this nature.  Rob Nelson writes:

"Winnebago Man" openly invites the question of whether its subject deserves the camera's rapt attention... the movie becomes oddly deep and even poignant. The Winnebago man's frighteningly sizable legend seems totally beyond him.

Chris Hewitt adds:

Rebney reveals he has more complicated feelings than he pretended, and he and Steinbauer begin a contentious, disturbing dance that forces Steinbauer to examine his motives for making "Winnebago Man" and that reveals Rebney as perhaps this year's most complicated movie "character."

There seems to be plenty of interesting ideas being tossed around to peak my interest.  You can check out the movie at the Lagoon all week.