 | ||||
| ||||
|
| ||||
| ||||
Some of the many ways he was described during his lifetime include "a nihilistic self, a Zen Guerrilla, a Dadaist comedian and the first true performance artist." Kaufman was a man who refused to break character. One could never be sure if he would leave his audiences confused or amused at the end of an evening. They might be totally baffled, but it was all part of the act. He was an incredible wit who was driven to push the envelope of experience and explore the reaches of the mind. Fantasy and illusion mix into one form and the final reality, no matter how serious it may be, becomes a laughing matter. Known to many only for his role as Latka Gravas in the TV series "Taxi," this movie of his life serves both as document and tribute to a comic phenomenon. (The appearance of many of his sitcom colleagues in this film attests to their affectionate feelings toward this man.) From beginning to end, it manages to combine an extraordinarily enjoyable experience for the viewer with an informative insight into an incredible mind.
The borderline between truth and imitation is often hard to recognize. And Andy is in danger of losing his fans for exactly this reason on numerous occasions. He takes them so far on his "meshuggah" trip to places where they're often not really able to follow, that one can understand why they might sometimes get confused. Andy is capable of splitting ends and edges in so many directions that even his best friends, including co-comedian and writer Bob Zmuda (Paul Giamatti), are never completely sure whether he is serious or not. Troubled by situations and left to fall once again by those he depends upon for support, he questions and analyzes himself ("I'm a bad person.") only to be lovingly rescued from depression by his girlfriend Lynne's (Courtney Love) retort, "But Andy, there is no you." His reply? "Oh, that's right. I forgot."
Director Milos Forman has an incredible knack at realizing the demands of whatever material he puts his hand to. Once again a knockout. Jim Carrey has finally been given a vehicle not only to display his brilliant comedic talents (once again), but prove to the world that he is a fine dramatic actor as well. (No disregard meant to "The Truman Show.") The greatest comedians possess an exceptional understanding of the tragic element, but are often never given a chance to show it (,explore it, or exploit it). Danny DeVito, as the agent, conveys a warmth and depth of character that undoubtedly resounds with a strong note of truth from having been so close to the original man himself. The rest of the cast, including Courtney Love, Paul Giamatti, Tony Clifton, Judd Hirsch, Marilu Henner, Christopher Lloyd, Carol Kane and Jeff Conaway, are spectacular. In fact, the list of performers creates a layer of ambiguity paralleling Andy's life; they're almost as incredible as Kaufman's life. Not only are most cast members of "Taxi" present, but Bob Zmuda (Andy's best friend) and co-writer, Lynne Margulies (Andy's significant other), Lorne Michaels from Saturday Night Live", talk show host David Letterman, wrestler Jerry Lawler and several members of Andy's direct family are present in roles as well. Talk about layer upon layer.
His antics on the small screen during broadcasts of "Fridays" and "Saturday Night Live" finally got him banned from television. Both viewers and (non-) selected cast members believed what he said and did, no matter how infuriating or tasteless it appeared, and usually didn't understand it was meant as a joke. Nevertheless, he refused to back down and reveal how these performances were really meant. Margulies explains, "Even if his career was dead and he never worked again, he was not willing to give away anything. He had amazing purity. It was frustrating, but you had to admire him." A chance conversation between Milos Forman and Danny DeVito at a Michael Douglas party wound up becoming the seed that grew this movie. After the twice Oscar-winning director said, "this would make a great movie," actor/director DeVito (with his typical energetic initiative) got the ball rolling. His intentions regarding involvement with the production were clear: he would both produce the movie and star as Andy's agent. That great friend of Kaufman's, DeVito explains, "I think Milos was fascinated by the duality of Andy's characters. Andy was a crafty guy and nothing was ever what it seemed. There were such mechanics underneath Andy's demeanor of naiveté, but what was happening was always by design." Scriptwriters Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski have turned out another masterpiece with this amazing scenario. Having won a Golden Globe for their collaboration on "The People vs. Larry Flynt," this team was also previously responsible for the fantastically hilarious "Ed Wood." They've worked hard on taking elements from Andy's life and forming them into a whole, which remains relevant throughout. Not intended as a literal biopic, this movie is a portrait of the artist and his essence. Kaufman (Carry) even says so himself in the very first black & white scene. Beautiful camerawork by DP Anastas Michos and perfect production design by Patrizia von Brandenstein. Andy Kaufman may also be present at many of the screenings worldwide. Keep an eye out for him. Definitely a must see! Tank you very much.
|
