Winnebago Man

Documentary Feature, Spotlight Premieres
D: Ben Steinbauer

Jack Rebney is called the “angriest man in America.” You may disagree once you experience him in this feature documentary based on one very trying afternoon in the life of the former broadcast journalist turned online media sensation. The hilarious outtakes of Rebney’s 1970s-era industrial films for Winnebago made him a cult figure on YouTube. Before that, the “Winnebago Man” clips were shared on video among in-the-know friends. Where is the Winnebago Man now? What did he think about being an online sensation? Austin-based filmmaker Ben Steinbauer went in search of Rebney and brought back a smart film that not only introduces Rebney to a wider audience but also looks at the nature of online celebrity, the price of freedom, and the cost of living life out loud. Angry? No! Heartfelt, forthright, curious, thoughtful, unfiltered, and staunchly independent? Yes. And wow – Rebney’s panache with an expletive is simply sublime.

Friday, March 20, 1:30pm, Paramount

This article appears in March 20 • 2009.

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