In the late 80s, and a hot August in Iowa, an R.V. sales video spokesman lost his cool. Two decades later, thanks to a new website called YouTube, the curse-laden outtakes from that video shoot became a viral sensation.
His name is Jack Rebney. But, on the Internet, he became known as “The Angriest Man in the World” or simply “Winnebago Man.” That’s also the name of a funny and charming documentary about Rebney and unintended Internet Celebrity that opens Friday in NYC.
(For showtimes and tickets, head over to Landmark Sunshine Theater or AMC Empire 25. And as an added bonus, come back to Rooftop Films with your ticket stub to get into a screening for FREE!)
In my recent attempt to consume every new bit of information about Winnebago Man, I was surprised to find that no one had compiled the best quotes from the clip. So I asked Winnebago Man director Ben Steinbauer if he’d come up with a list his own, and here they are: The top ten essential and infectious Jack Rebney quotes. (Click on the YouTube clips to jump to the quote.)
#10: “Don’t slam the fuckin’ door. NO MORE!” (0:58)
Ben Steinbauer, Director of Winnebago Man: Of course, the best part is the hand gesture. Anytime I see someone make this claw-like hand gesture, I know instantly what they mean: No more bullshit!
#9: “I’m gonna give a clue here now.” (1:16)
BS: I don’t know the origins of this one, but I love it nonetheless. I’d be willing to wager it’s a Rebney original.
#8: “It ain’t worth it. Not this shit. It ain’t fuckin’ worth it.” (4:19)
BS: Jack is at the end of his rope. He’s making an industrial sales video in 100+ degree heat surrounded by a million flies, and he’s not getting along with the crew. This is his Rocky moment — He’s reached bottom and will have to fight his way back to the top. We’ve all been there (or at least we’ve all cheered for Rocky).
#7: “Do you believe any of that shit?” (4:36)
BS: A great line for actors on set, which also works well in conversation. It’s another instance of Jack commenting on his performance in a way that is disarming and infinitely charming — at least for me.
#6: “I haven’t got time to mark this motherfucker!” (3:14)
BS: Another great line for the camera assistant, actor or director. Drop it at any moment on set and get a guaranteed laugh. If they don’t laugh, then you’re working with the wrong people.
#5: “I’m blinded by that fucking hot light!” (3:00)
BS: Infinitely quotable on film sets. I would hazard to guess, that in Austin (where I live and work), not a single film shoot has happened in the last ten years where someone hasn’t used this phrase on set at least once.
#4: “Get out of here, you fuckin’ flies.” (2:01)
Also: “We’ve got flies all over the fuckin’ place.” “Get the fuck outta here, you flies.” “Get out of here, you God damn jack ass!” and “… to say nothing of the flies in my head.”
BS: Jack hates flies and this is well documented. The rage he shows toward the files is second only to his frustration with himself. [Unpaid intern] Tony runs a close third.
#3: 4:07 “The accoutrama that you will need… ‘Accoutrama?’ What is that shit?”
BS: Ah, the accoutrements. Who doesn’t love that word? Winnebago salesmen, that’s who! To quote Jack Rebney, “This is not a word you want to use when selling Winnebagos.” But I love this word and it’s hilarious because of how surprised Jack is that it came out of his mouth. The second part, “What is that shit?” is Jack commenting on his own mistake. Who does this (besides your closest friends or siblings)? Classic!
#2: “Will you do me a kindness?” (0:48)
BS: Quoted in a wide range of TV shows and films by everyone from SpongeBob SquarePants to Ben Affleck to Alec Baldwin. So much classier than “Would you do me a favor?” and it’s useful in just about any situation!
#1: “I don’t want any more bullshit anytime during the day from anyone… And that includes me.” (1:18)
BS: My all-time favorite line cuts right to the heart of what makes the Winnebago Man clip so special. In the midst of melting down, Jack never loses his sense of humor or his self-awareness. Jack is berating himself as much as he is the other crew members. This fascinated me the first time I saw it, and still fascinates me today.
Winnebago Man opens July 9 in New York City, July 16 in Los Angeles before opening at a theater near you. Check winnebagoman.com for additional cities and showtimes.
Then, bring your ticket stub to Rooftop Films and get into a screening for FREE!
Here’s the trailer. It’s NSFW, but if you got this far…