Did he or didn't he?

Rating: 8/10 (24 July 2000)

I was unsure what to expect when I decided to see this film, having little memory of Taxi and none of Andy Kaufmann himself. But without doubt, this was one of the years best movies. An excellent director and top grade cast complement a balanced and entertaining plot that has many quality moments, both dramatic and comedic. The plot deals with Kaufmann's public life well, from his early days on Saturday Night Live to his enduring, endearing character on Taxi, to the crude, rude, but hilarious Tony Clifton. But it also brings the human element through, which is credit to Milos Forman, a great director, and to the writers. The ending was a real highlight, original yet very appropriate, I won't reveal it, but ask yourself this question: Did he or didn't he?" An excellent supporting cast, including Danny DeVito and Courtney Love in a good performance as Kaufmann's wife, add much to the film as a whole, but undoubtedly the star and shining light is Carrey himself. He portrays the troubled genius that was Andy Kaufmann with brilliant ease, transforming himself and showing the undoubted dramatic talents he has in abundance. His versatility through Kaufmann's many personas and life events, from his stand up act to wrestling to Tony Clifton is worthy of Kaufmann himself. How Jim Carrey didn't get an Oscar nomination I'll never know, but he richly deserved the Golden Globe he did get. An excellent film, one which certainly left a lasting impression, and which deserves the acclaim that it received. 8 out of 10.