Andy
Kaufman - Jim CarreyDate: December 23rd, 1999
Cast:
Andy
Kaufman - Jim Carrey
Lynne
Marguiles - Courtney Love
Bob Zmuda - Paul
Giamatti
George
Shapiro - Danny
DeVito
Bob Zmuda - Paul
Giamatti
Tony Clifton - Tony
Clifton
Director: Milos Forman
Previews: Snow Falling On Cedars ($$$) The Hurricane ($$$1/2), The Beach ($1/2), Mission To Mars ($$1/2), Gladiator ($$$)
Several questions ran through mind
just prior to seeing the Andy Kaufman biopic Man on The Moon. First of all, which Jim
Carrey would we see. Would it be the manic, over the top, hamming for attention star of
Ace Ventura and The Mask? Would it be the actor, who uses his comedy only to offset
serious or emotional situations, as in The Truman Show. Secondly, is it too soon to have a
biographical movie of Mr. Kaufman? We are, after all, only 15 years removed from the time
he left us. Thirdly, would there be enough material to cover, without seemingly like a
mockery, or series of skits held together by a few behind the scenes' explanations of this
unique entertainer's life. So, without further adieu, let me begin answering these in my
assessment and opinion of Man on The Moon. .
"Mister Andy
Kaufman's gone wrestling"
Let’s start with the historical events factor. This movie has more of an effect on those who can recall, even remotely, Andy’s presence, antics, and effect on the entertainment world. He never wanted to be classified as a comedian, but rather an entertainer. Someone who could make us smile, laugh, or feel good about ourselves, even when he did not. Those of us old enough can remember his Saturday Night Live appearances, the Mighty Mouse song, that fateful vote, which it turns was another in Andy’s many publicity stunts gone wrong. This typified, and defined Kaufman to the world, but what he is most remembered for, is actually the one thing, he disliked the most, his stereotypical portrayal of Latka Gravas on Taxi. If you don’t recall any of this, the movie may lose some its touch and effectiveness, but for those of us who do, it will strike home on a hauntingly memorable fashion.
"Andy did you hear about this one, tell me are you locked in the punch"
There does seem to be enough material to make a movie, but I would have preferred more details on some events. There are some genuine scenes of power and emotion here. The Carnegie Hall concert (the milk and cookies event) left an impression on me, because I remember it, and wanted to be there. I called in and voted during the phone-in poll to keep him on SNL, and saw the Friday's episode where it all began to seemingly come apart. All of these recreations work, because you are taken back, walked through, and then shown the behind the scenes reactions which resulted. The scenes that do not work, are the ones that are never developed or seem a bit rushed. The focus is put more on the wrestling career, the public outrage and such, caused by Andy's actions. Yes, I am asking to make the movie a bit longer. (ducking from all of the lightning bolts from those whose running times I’ve lambasted in the past.) The details of his childhood, his reasons for transcendentalism, his relationship with Ms Marguiles are all skimmed over quickly and never explored, explained or developed. I would have liked to have seen a bit more explanation, or examination of these aspects, so that I could at least attempt to get to know, and understand a bit better. Side note #2: Does Milos have a thing for Courtney? It's not that she is bad here, she shows she is a capable actress. Forman just never really gives her much to do but be straightman to Andy’s ever-changing moods and antics.
Surprisingly, or ironically enough, my
favorite supporting performance comes from a wrestler. (ducking again) I have often said
that I don’t understand why wrestlers don’t make better movie actors, since
basically, that’s what they are doing every weekend. They are acting, in scripted,
blocked out, situations, with preplanned results. Basically, it’s Days of Our Lives
on testosterone. So why, oh why, were we subjected to Mr. Nanny, Suburban Commando, No
Holds Barred, and the likes. Alas, that is a topic for another ramble. Jerry "The
King" Lawler delivers the performance of a wrestler who knows he is one, even while
onscreen. He does not try to be anything else, and in doing so, provides some
scene-stealing moments with Carrey.
"Andy are you goofin on Elvis"
Basically, without any fancy words, or descriptions, Jim Carrey becomes Andy. In typical Andy fashion, the movie starts with one of the best opening sequences that you’ll see this year, just ahead of Dogma’s wonderful disclaimer. After a few scenes, you forget that you are watching the same guy who once talked out of his butt on national television. Rather, you realize that you are watching someone transformed into the character he is portraying. He has the walk, the talk, the attitude, the swagger, the anger, all of it. He injects a real emotion behind Kaufman's manic nature, similar to the way he has transformed his own image by finally displaying his true acting ability. Carrey could have easily gone over the top with antics, and mockery, but instead he balances the two to give one of the years best, and hopefully rewarded, performances. He is indeed, the main reason to see this movie. One side note of complaint though, the recreations of the Taxi set seem very staged. The original stars were brought in to play themselves. Each one shows every minute of the 20 years since these events happened. Especially you Mr. Conaway, do not expect this to jump-start your sagging career, back to the B-movie, Skinemax specials for you!
"Hey baby, are you losing touch"
Ultimately, Man on The Moon worked on every level but one for me. Ironically, and possibly intentionally enough, it was the fact that Forman did not go into trying to explain why Andy was the way he was. Maybe he could not, so many people tried, but Andy himself tried so hard to be an entertainer without definition, that maybe Forman echoed that, and focused on the effects, rather than the causes. Intentionally or not, that is the way it appears. We are left with questions, much like we were after watching Andy’s performances, with a slight bewilderment, but definite admiration, at what we just witnessed. If it was intentional, kudos Mr. Forman, this ranks with Amadeus and Cuckoo’s Nest on your resume. I guess I just wanted to know a little more about what made Andy tick, react, and ultimately implode (maybe) the way he did. Kaufman wanted to show us to not be afraid to be ourselves. It was his way of saying "Like me, love me, hate me, whatever, this is who I am!" That is just what he did, and the movie conveys that message. It is a no-holds barred, off the top rope look at Kaufman, his rise, his peak, and his fall. Here’s to hoping that the fall of one entertainer, brings rise and serious, well-deserved recognition to his portrayer. See this one when you can. Thank you very much. ($$$1/2 out of $$$$)
Agree? Disagree, Questions? Comments?
Images
courtesy of Universal Pictures and The Andy Kaufman Homepage
Is Andy still
alive? Was his own death, his greatest
stunt?
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