A new documentary titled "We Are Pat" delves into the complex legacy of the androgynous "Saturday Night Live" character Pat, created and performed by Julia Sweeney. Directed by transgender filmmaker Ro Haber, the film probes whether the character, who used they/them pronouns decades before the terminology became widespread, is a groundbreaking figure for non-binary representation or an offensive stereotype.
Pat, known for their ambiguous gender presentation and distinctive nasal whine, was a recurring character on SNL in the early 1990s. Sketches often centered on other characters' attempts to determine Pat's gender, a mystery the character consistently deflected. The character's popularity led to a feature film, "It's Pat: The Movie."
Haber, a self-proclaimed fan of the character, uses a collection of Pat memorabilia to frame the documentary. He assembles a group of queer comedians, including Brontez Purnell and Murray Hill, to discuss the character's cultural impact. The comedians explore the politics surrounding Pat, debate whether the character was ever truly funny, and consider their relevance in contemporary society.
The documentary features interviews with Julia Sweeney, who discusses her creative process in developing Pat. Sweeney explains that she intended the character to be ambiguous, partly as a response to the male-dominated writing environment at SNL at the time, aiming to create a voice that transcended traditional gender roles. The film weaves these interviews with modern-day reinterpretations of Pat sketches by the assembled comedians.
"We Are Pat" does not offer definitive answers regarding the character's status, instead presenting a nuanced exploration of the conflicting perspectives. Some interviewees, like River Butcher, suggest that Pat can be simultaneously transphobic, funny, and iconic. The film positions itself as an examination of pop culture artifacts and the shifting discourse around comedy and insensitivity.
Comparisons have been drawn to Hari Kondabolu's documentary "The Problem with Apu," which similarly analyzed a controversial character from "The Simpsons." "We Are Pat" is described as a thoughtful exploration of cognitive dissonance within pop culture, prompting discussions about the evolution of comedy from the 1990s to the present.
The film's approach is characterized by subtlety rather than outright praise or condemnation. The director's decision to embrace uncertainty mirrors the character's own ambiguity, which the film suggests is fitting and perhaps ironic.
"We Are Pat" is available on Peacock.