We all think we know what to expect from Hollywood biopics. But every once in a while, a film distinguishes itself enough to break out, at least in part, from the mold that this genre usually adheres to. One such release came in 1999 with the release of director Milos Forman’s Man on the Moon.

Starring Jim Carrey as divisive actor and performance artist Andy Kaufman, the film takes a look at Kaufman’s life and legacy, chronicling his rise and fall in Hollywood. That may seem like standard biopic fare, but the film is elevated by Carrey’s insanely committed performance (seriously, see the Netflix documentary Jim & Andy: The Great Beyond for more on that).

Jamie Williams, co-founder of Think McFly Think, joins us to discuss where Carrey ends and Kaufman begins as well as puts Man on the Moon in its proper context in cinema history. Join us as we revisit one of the most critically lauded, yet universally overlooked releases of 1999. Thankyouverymuch.

Man on the Moon synopsis, courtesy of Universal:

Based on a true story, Jim Carrey stunningly portrays the late Andy Kaufman – considered the most innovative, eccentric and enigmatic comic of his time – in Man on the Moon. “Jim Carrey is extraordinary” says The New York Post. “Jim Carrey may be a better Andy Kaufman than Andy Kaufman,” writes Newsweek. Also starring Danny DeVito as Kaufman’s manager, Courtney Love as the woman Andy falls in love with and Paul Giamatti as his best friend. You’ll stand up and cheer for Carrey in one of the year’s most entertaining movies!

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