Don't arrive late, the five minute introduction is
marvelously unique and quintessentially Kaufman. The
entertaining film that follows, though documentary in
nature ... "is not an historical biography and it's
not always faithful to the facts," director Milos
Forman admits (in the press notes) "It is, however,
always faithful to the spirit of the facts."
Jim Carrey portrays the eccentric, controversial
comic Andy Kaufman (1949-1984) who charmed audiences
with his Latka character on the 1970's sitcom "Taxi,"
shocked millions with his disruptive antics on the
live-taped "Fridays," baffled all of us with his
incitingly sexist challenges to wrestle women on TV,
and finally left us in 1984 wondering if his death
was just another prank. Robin Williams once referred
to Kaufman as the "kamikaze of comedians" because he
didn't care if he bombed.
Carrey, once known as the "man with the rubber
face" for his ability to actually look like the
celebrities he imitated, can't shake off the fame
surrounding his own. That said, Carrey is absolutely
rock solid conveying the Andy Kaufman persona in
voice and eye movement. He never falters. Even though
he looks like Jim Carrey, this is not a Jim Carrey
movie. Critics of Carrey's acting ability won't be
able to ignore this disciplined performance.
Danny DeVito (responsible for the film's
conception and realization) leads us through the
production while portraying George Shapiro (Andy's
agent). In the "Taxi" sequences, only original cast
members appear (though DeVito's Louie character is
conveniently elsewhere). Especially with DeVito in a
lead role along with wrestler Jerry Lawler's cameos
(he does a fine job, by the way), this lends a warm,
friendly, sentimental feel to the film for those of
us who knew the "TV" Kaufman. It also serves to
reassure us that the film's portrayal of this
enigmatic comedian is authentic. Lastly, it appends
to the memory of Andy, a sense of family and belated
forgiveness for pulling our legs and yanking our
chains.
Courtney Love's performance as Lynne Margulies
(who was on the set virtually everyday) confirms her
talent as an actress, making the transition from the
rock world with more grace than, personally, I'd have
expected.
The film sheds light on the mysteriously odd death
of Andy Kaufman, but can't resist casting a shadow of
a doubt on its audience during a slightly unnecessary
last scene. Ultimately "Man on the Moon" is a strong
film, unique and enlightening; even after the many
Kaufman documentaries released in anticipation of it.
As for those of you unfamiliar with Andy's work I'd
be very curious to hear your reaction to this film
(email@rossanthony.com).
"Thank you very much."
|