Review of Man on the Moon (1999) by Eric C — 09 Jan 2010

After reviewing Jim Carrey's msterpiece The Truman Show, I couldn't help but want to review his next big dramatic accomplishment, Man on the Moon, directed by Danny DeVito.

This film is something extremely special, its about comedy legend and at times nuisance(to his co-workers)Andy Kaufman. A man, who was as nutty and unpredictable as he was funny. Danny DeVito, who like I noted above directs this film, co-starred with him on the TV series Taxi and its amazing how well he shot those memorable scenes, reuniting many of the cast members for the TV series; in what I know must have been a heart pulling experience for all of them.

The film doesn't shed any light on anything specific about Andy's life, like most bio-pics do, but just shows many of the things that Andy has done and a few behind the scenes about some of the more outrageous moments (like after meal dinners with Jerry Lawler, who at the time was meant to be Andy's rival, during a time when wrestling was still being advertised as 100% real).

Carrey's performance here is incredible, as he plays the role just the way Andy probably would have. He studied many hours of Kaufman's footage and it shows. A true showcase on how well Carrey can act when not restricted to his cliche as a comedy actor.

I especially enjoyed watching the part of the film where we really don't know whether what Andy is doing or saying is part of an act or real. Its got to be the same frustration that many who knew him must have felt and later loved him for.

Another performance, which is surprising to see done well is Courtney Love(lead singer of Hole and ex to Nirvana's Kurt Cobane). While her performance isn't the best in the world, she did surprisingly well, with a serious dramatic role like this.

The score really captures the emotion in each scene and the R.E.M title track "Man on the Moon" is a great piece to hear before and after viewing this film.

5 out of 5 stars.