MAN ON THE MOON
MAN ON THE MOON
Director
Written by
Starring Images Review (without Spoilers)
A wonderful biography of Andy Kaufman [Jim Carrey], Milos Forman's latest project does not disappoint.
With light humor sprinkled here and there, Man on the Moon is a masterpiece in portraying
the somewhat complicated life of Mr. Kaufman. I personally am not too familiar with
Kaufman's work; I went to see the movie because of Jim Carrey and the rave reviews I had
heard about it (Entertainment Weekly's Owen Glieberman named it #1 Movie of the Year). As
an observer of just the film, and not a critic of how closely Forman's film ran against
Kaufman's real life, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Expecting a hilariously funny comedy-drama
was a little too much, though there were some memorable scenes (hint: Mighty Mouse!) If
you haven't seen the film yet, and odds are you haven't, if you're reading this, I'd
encourage you to see it. If not for the crazy antics of Jim Carrey/Andy Kaufman, then for
the heartwarming story that is hidden underneath.
The filming was wonderfully appropriate, showing Kaufman amidst hundreds of adoring fans or
outraged onlookers, and then zooming to a different aspect, a Kaufman with real dreams and
aspirations, discussed with the close friends that understand him. Not only that, R.E.M.'s
Michael Stipe's score for the movie was very fitting. Too enlarge on the popular "Man on
the Moon" hit and even come up with a sequel song... there were no disappointments.
Review (with Spoilers)
What? Oh yeah, the movie. Oh yeah, Jim Carrey... It was surprisingly wonderful and
heartwarming. Jim Carrey once again proves that he can act, as he presents the many
faces of Andy Kaufman. (I especially loved the trailers comparing the two... born on the
same date, only twenty years apart... coincidence? I think not, the trailer states.) As we
are first taken aback by Kaufman's/Carrey's antics, we are soon able to see him for more
than he appears. Carrey does a wonderful job of blurring the line between reality and
fantasy, which Forman assuredly strives for. Not only is the film a biography of Kaufman, it
is a sort of shrine to him. Danny DeVito's character said it the best when he mentioned that
Kaufman was crazy... but might also be a genius.
Most surprising was the ending. First there's only humor bordering on outrage, and suddenly
the story turns tragic! I still find myself wondering how it all happened. I probably had
undergone all sorts of emotions by the end of the movie... it's amazing how versatile the
actors and director could make this movie! Even as the ending lay amidst unavoidable death,
there was also a sense of peace and immortality. I really shouldn't have been surprised, like
Carrey's Kaufman shouldn't have been surprised after journeying all the way to Singapore.
Throughout the entire movie, surprise after surprise prepared both the audience and Kaufman
for the ending.
The movie left me wondering... Which was the REAL Andy Kaufman? Which of his zany characters?
That would be the wrong question to ask, though, because Kaufman embodied all the characters
he played. Though Kaufman may be a comic genius to some and unheard of to others (like me),
Man on the Moon was definitely enlightening. Forman/Kaufman may have been putting
light on the fact that we are all full of different characters, each with different
emotions... a sort of schitzophrenia of the human condition. It's just that Kaufman was the
first to act on them all.
Milos Forman
Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski
Jim Carrey ..... Andy Kaufman/Tony Clifton Danny DeVito ..... George Shapiro Courtney Love ..... Lynne Margulies Paul Giamatti ..... Bob Zmuda/Tony Clifton (imitation of) Jerry Lawler ..... Maynard Smith
Bob and Andy, an unbeatable pair
Andy on the set of Taxi
Manager George, always looking out for Andy
Future wife Lynne and Andy about to battle it out
Lynne is as entranced by Andy as the rest of us
**No synopsis this time, folks... what else can I say? ...It's about the life and times of Andy Kaufman.
To be completely honest, the only name I knew going into this movie was Jim Carrey's. Andy
who? Okay, okay, I'd heard his name in that well-known R.E.M. song... what was the name of
that? Anyhow, the result of the movie? I've sought out a few more of director Milos Forman's
work (yes, I am thoroughly impressed now), and would love to see just ONE episode of Taxi.
For any questions, comments, further inquiries, or to submit a Review, please email me.
