A somber tale about a underrated entertainer.

Rating: Null/10 (1 December 1999)

I'm right now sitting at my computer with a mini t.v. right next to me. There's a rerun episode of TAXI on right now, and it's featuring Andy Kaufman performing the character of Laka Graves. Just after watching MAN ON THE MOON, and comparing it to the real Andy Kaufman, there are little differences and more similarities. The film really shows on what was going on with the mind of a man that many people loved, and just as many people hated. Andy Kaufman (for those who don't know), was a famous entertainer who usually shocked people with his unpredictable actions. From wrestling women in the ring, to performing the rude Tony Clifton on stage, Kaufman always played his audience, and no one, not even Kaufman's closest friends and family members knew what to expect. Kaufman is probably best known for his role of Laka Fraves on the sitcom TAXI. But Kaufman wouldn't like that, Kaufman would like to be known as a entertainer, and this shows that. I would say that Jim Carrey plays Andy Kaufman, but I won't. I was very impressed and pleased with Carrey in this film that I'll say Jim Carrey is Andy Kaufman. I've watched Andy Kaufman since I was four years old, and not only myself, but my entire family has always enjoyed his work. I just consider it for the extremely intelligent. Kaufman is shown his real thoughts and feelings as he stages some of his most controversial moves in his career. Some of those bits include his dead-on imitation of Elvis, and his fight on the t.v. show FRIDAYS. I could also say that this is Jim Carrey's movie, but it isn't. Milos Forman has always felt sympathetic towards individuals who cuased trouble in society. From Randal MacMurphy in ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO'S NEST, to Wolfgang Mozart in AMADUES, to Larry Flynt in PEOPLE VS. LARRY FLYNT. In MAN ON THE MOON, Forman shows at first how much of a rude and cruel guy Kaufman can appear to be at first, then you realize, it's all a act. Kaufman just likes to really fool people, to where they don't know that if it's a act or not. And Forman is the perfect director to make a movie about a troublemaker in society. The supporting acting in this film is also great. Danny DeVito is good as Kaufman's agent, George Shaprio, and so is Paul Giamatti as Kaufman's clase friend Bob Zmuda. It's also a treat to see some of the original cast members of the show TAXI, yet they have aged quite a bit. But what's great is seeing character actor, Vincent Schiavelli who plays a ABC executive in this film. Schiavelli originally appeared on the show TAXI, as playing the priest who married Kaufman's character to Carol Kane's character. It's also great to see the real Bob Zmuda, and Lorne Michaels make appearances in the film as well. It goes to show that if all of these people are appearing in a film about a man who appears to be rude, but really isn't. From the beginning of the film, the viewer sees a young Andy performing to a wall, then to his younger sister. And that is all Andy ever wanted is a audience. And hopefully with this film, even 15 years after his death, his audience would have grown. This is a excellent, very funny, and very sad tale that people shouldn't miss. It might help explain the attitude of the eccentric person that you know. ***** (out of five)