Man on the Moon (1999) – The story of the life and career of eccentric avant-garde comedian, Andy Kaufman.
Director: Miloš Forman (One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, Amadeus)
Writer: Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski (Ed Wood, The People vs. Larry Flynt)
Release Date: December 22, 1999
Domestic Box Office: $47 million
The Good: Jim Carrey’s performance as Andy Kaufman is widely praised as one of the best of his career. The film also features strong supporting performances from Danny DeVito, Courtney Love, and Paul Giamatti. The direction by Miloš Forman is stylish and captures the eccentricity of Kaufman’s life and career.
The Bad: The film’s length (138 minutes) may be a turnoff for some viewers. The film also takes some liberties with Kaufman’s life story, which may not sit well with some fans.
Top 5 Cast:
- Jim Carrey as Andy Kaufman
- Danny DeVito as Tony Clifton
- Courtney Love as Lynne Margulies
- Paul Giamatti as Bob Zmuda
- Catherine Keener as Lynn Kaufman
“I’m not crazy. My reality is just different from yours.”
Critical Reviews:
- Roger Ebert: “Man on the Moon is a loving and funny tribute to a comic original.”
- Peter Travers: “Jim Carrey gives the performance of his career as Andy Kaufman, the comic genius who blurred the lines between reality and performance art.”
- Owen Gleiberman: “Man on the Moon is a fascinating and often hilarious portrait of a brilliant and troubled artist.”
- Lisa Schwarzbaum: “Man on the Moon is a funny, touching, and ultimately heartbreaking look at a unique and unforgettable talent.”
- Desson Howe: “Man on the Moon is a must-see for fans of Jim Carrey, Andy Kaufman, or simply great acting.”
Cinematic Importance: Man on the Moon (2018) is an important film for several reasons. First, it is a brilliant and funny biopic of one of the most original and influential comedians of all time. Second, it features a tour-de-force performance by Jim Carrey, who perfectly captures Kaufman’s unique blend of comedy and performance art. Third, the film is directed by Miloš Forman, one of the most acclaimed directors of all time, who brings his own unique style and vision to the project. Finally, Man on the Moon is simply a great film that is sure to entertain and enlighten audiences for years to come.
Podcasts Movies PopCultureGeeky Gifts Technology TV Video Games Comedy Specials