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LowComDom Performances Presents
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LowComDom Performances Presents
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Film Review - Man on the Moon
I think Milos Forman is a great Director. For the second time in two tries he has painted a portrait for a man some of us do not like at a personal level, but whose life story we can appreciate. His first film of this type, The People Vs. Larry Flynt was a portrait of a man many have violent reactions toward. But it is still great film making without glorifying what people find offensive.
In this new film, Man on the Moon, Forman takes the same approach with the late comedian Andy Kaufman. I am not equating the lives of Larry Flint and Andy Kaufman. However, many people have found Kaufman as offensive as Flint. But Kaufman had a very interesting life and point of view, making his life worth making a film about. I am one who did not like Andy Kaufman when he was alive. I just didn't get the whole dancing next to a record player performance art thing. But I really loved this film.
To pull off the portrayal of such a strong character whom many knew, Forman cast Jim Carrey in the lead. Carrey is very strong, and disappears into the character. Carrey has been looking for this type of role for years. His waiting and talent have paid off.
The beginning of the film is genius with Andy coming out and telling us he cut out the parts of the film that weren't true, so this is the end of the film. Credits roll and the picture goes to black for 30 seconds before Andy comes out to tell us that he did that to get rid of the people who wouldn't understand. The film then begins.
This film is simple. It just portrays Andy's life from his point of view. There's no apology nor is there a sermon telling you why he was a genius. Simply, this was his life. You decide for yourself how you feel about him. This is not easy to do. It's much easier to tell people what to think.
I give this movie a high rating not because I liked Kaufman, but because I admire Forman's skill as a director and Carrey's mastery of character acting. If you absolutely hate Andy Kaufman, you will probably still enjoy this film.
Film Facts
Directed by Milos Forman
Released in 1999
MPAA Rating: R
Reviewed by Mongo
