The biographical comedy-drama film, Man on the Moon, directed by Miloš Forman and written by Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski, is about the late American entertainer Andy Kaufman. The story traces Kaufman's steps from childhood through the comedy clubs and television appearances that made him famous, including his memorable appearances on Saturday Night Live, Late Night with David Letterman, Fridays, and his role as Latka Gravas on the sitcom Taxi, which was popular among viewers but disruptive for Kaufman's co-stars. The film pays particular attention to the various inside jokes, scams, put-ons, and happenings for which Kaufman was famous, most significantly his long-running "feud" with wrestler Jerry "The King" Lawler and his portrayal of the character of bawdy lounge singer Tony Clifton. The film's production is notable for Carrey's rigid method acting, staying in-character as Kaufman both on and off the set for the duration of production. Carrey's adherence to the role reached the extent where he would develop unscripted tics and habits that were previously characteristic of Kaufman himself. Among other examples, Courtney Love noted how Carrey would stuff his clothing with Limburger cheese on the set when playing Kaufman's Clifton character in the film, something Kaufman had done in his own performances of the character. It was released on December 22, 1999, and the film was a commercial failure and received mixed reviews. However, Carrey received critical acclaim for his performance and won a Golden Globe, his second in a row after his award for The Truman Show (1998).
The film is much more than the chronicle of an actor's transformation for a shoot, or even the portrait of an artist's obsession with another, or an analysis of the similarities between them. It's an entertaining look at a collision of offbeat comedy talents, exploring both actors' backgrounds and working styles in a way that's eye-opening and perhaps disturbing. Smith is the next great documentarian for mainstream American audiences to discover, and he richly merits a wide release. Bracingly engaging--simply because Carrey is so likeable, hilarious, smart and provocative. Subversive and thought-provoking, though also a little too slack and unassuming for its own good; more 'why' and not just 'how' would have been a welcome addition. Achieves what any good documentary tries to: It's thought-provoking, insightful and entertaining at the same time. The film has a colourful character and such an alarming story to tell that the film works in spite of its imperfections. Here's hoping this documentary gets the recognition it deserves among the deluge of more serious advocacy counterparts that seem to be everywhere this year. The film profiles Carrey's stunningly immersive and intensely method performance as Kaufman during the making of Man on the Man.
Simon says Jim & Andy: The Great Beyond receives:
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