A celebration...

Rating: 9/10 (11 October 2002)

When I first rented this, I was hoping it would be an explanation of Andy Kaufman's life. I then discovered it was not. This has been pointed out by several people who disliked the movie. The beginning of the film is not very good. It jumps from time period to time period (from his stand-up days, to SNL, to Taxi) and doesn't give you a chance to get to know the characters. The first about half-hour to hour is boring. However, after a while the movie finds its way. It gets very funny (the humour derived directly from Kaufman's material) and at the same time moving. By the end I found myself smiling from the very touching last 3 scenes. But then I got to thinking about what the critics had said. It really didn't explain Kaufman at all, and in a docu-drama-comedy such as this, that is a bad thing. But I really enjoyed the film. Jim Carrey gave an excellent performance (he makes you believe he is actually Andy) but I knew liked it for another reason. I have finally figured out that the movie is not an explnation of who Andy Kaufman was, but instead a celebration of life. It chronicles all the very, very strange things he did but it is always external. We never hear why he did these things, and that is the point. That's probably how Andy wants it. So if you're looking for a comedy that is also touching, this is a good film. But don't forget, don't get this movie thinking it will explain Kaufman, because like many other people, you will be disapointed. I am glad to know that out of the three movies directed by Milos Forman I've seen now, I've liked each one. One other thing: R.E.M.'s song "Man On the Moon" played during the credits rocks! "Tank you vedy much."