Even for those who, like us, are not familiar with Kaufman s antics and career, the film gives enough context to what was happening on TV and in the culture in general to make sense. The story, however, doesn t try to express a tangible message or meaning outside of paying homage to Andy s career as a comedian. Either that was intentional because Andy remained a mystery to himself and the world, or the filmmakers were unable to develop a deeper essence of his character. Still, the film offers much enjoyment. Some of the humor is rough, grating, achingly challenging.
People are humiliated.
Even death is staged to get elaborate laughs. It is funny, and we were howling. But Man on the Moon will leave some, like Kaufman s real performances, puzzled, assaulted, and insulted. On the other hand, Kaufman was a principled man of sorts. He refused to do drug simulations, and he thumbed his nose at the studios and those who would confine or pigeon hole him.