I predict that within the next few years, Jim Carrey will go the way of Tom Hanks. What I mean is that Carrey will still do comedies, but still put out films that make the critics say "Oscar". If he is not nominated for Man on the Moon, I will be disgusted. Director Milos Forman (One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest) is also worthy of of getting another award.
Man on the Moon (name taken from the REM song about Andy) is about the late (or was he too early?) Andy Kaufman. For those who don't know, Andy Kaufman was most famous for playing Latka Gravas on the TV show Taxi. For you younger folks - remember the show Perfect Strangers? Balki was basically a copy of Latka. You can describe Andy Kaufman about as easily as you could describe the taste of a banana to someone who's never eaten one before (a History teacher once asked me to do that).
This film covers the life and career of Andy from his very beginnings to his end. Throughout the movie, he insists that he is not a comedian, and that he does not tell shows. He simply says "I am a song and dance man". Several scenes are perfect recreations of some of the actual acts that Kaufman did on Saturday Night Live and Taxi, and Carrey plays them out flawlessly. It's amazing how much Carey even looks like Kaufman, from the hair to the bulging eyes - everything!
Before seeing this film, I strongly suggest that you watch the one-hour Andy Kaufman tribute on Comedy Central. It is being shown now and you will get to see some of the acts that Andy performed. Then, go see the movie to see how they were recreated exactly as they happened. The special will give you a bit more information on some of Andy's performances, while this movie tries to give you more insight into the real Andy Kaufman.
When you leave the theatre, you won't know much more about Kaufman than you did when you went in. You may not appreciate him any more or less, nor feel any differently about some of his 'acts'. Some people find this disappointing, but I think it's just how Andy wanted it. He never wanted to be understood completely.
People are intrigued by mystery and by the things that they don't know, and Andy Kaufman is a man that will probably never be fully understood or 'figured out'. He lived a short, wild life, but left his mark. To me, the ultimate success in life is to do something that people will remember you by, and Andy did that very thing.
Jim Carrey hilariously portrays the late Andy Kaufman in this entertaining comedy. One of the most innovative and enigmatic performers of his time, An...More at Buy.com Marketplaces
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