It's (Lawrence Of Arabia) Meets (Ed Wood) !!

Rating: 3/10 (23 July 2007)

It's a story about a man working in an art watched by millions, not for the art, and not for the millions, but simply.. for himself. It's totally different situation, and it's a rare case for an exceptional hero. So the movie tried to be as unusual as its lead character. Nevertheless, remember that I said "tried"!
It's not that kind of biography movie at all. It's a film about the success of a man, a comedian, who had all of these silly jokes, mysterious intentions, and odd style, though he made it to be a star, some kind of star anyway!
It's all in the last scene, where we have that unforgettable bored to death look from his wife and his producer, while all the acclamation of his fans for their star's biggest practical joke ever. Watch carefully the very last shot, with that wonder smile of his writer / friend (Bob Zmuda), which recognizes strongly that strange but great admiration from all of (Kaufman)'s audience. It's maybe the most powerful feeling created by that film, or THE certain meaning which created such a film originally, especially when you know that there is no accident like that in the actual life of (Andy Kaufman). It says: "Even the silly ones have their own die hard fans", and it's true. Otherwise, it's just a story about a man who believes in himself, being confident in his talent to the furthest limit, despite anyone or anything.
The problem of this film was its semi mute script. You think that the uniqueness of this man required much effort to scrutinize his character, and examine his history. Instead, it gave us results not reasons. No convincing, or even understandable, excuses for his behavior. And just too brief scene from his childhood - as his so-called "history" - which told eventually nothing. That's why the script ended up as endless practical jokes, silly one after another!
So, as a comedy, it's not one in the first place. As a bio-pic, I knew from it that its lead character was nearly untalented comedian, with twisted sense of humor that didn't make me laugh, rather made me disgusted. And as a character-study film, it didn't care to study anything, and its message about "believing in yourself" was represented through a story of a ridiculous loser, namely the worst representative for such a message!
(Man on the Moon) tried to be as different as its character, but didn't explore that character; thus lost it, the difference, and us. Its lead character reminded me with real characters through cinematic bio-pics; to be as self-centered and determined on assuring his greatness as (Lawrence of Arabia - 1962), and as art-loving and feeble-minded as (Ed Wood - 1994). This film's (Kaufman) was a cross between both, however without any glance of their luster. So - sorrowfully - the film was muddled. And while none of its factors deserved to be watched again, then it was not only muddled film, it was dry too!
As for the film's funny title, I read that it was the title of a song that has been written after (Kaufman)'s death for the memory of him. But when you have it as a title for that film in specific, then you must ask yourself: (Man on the moon)?! Is he above all?, or is he so alone in such a dark desolate place which had spots of light sometimes? I'm just wondering!