Film Review – Jim & Andy: The Great Beyond – Featuring a Very Special, Contractually Obligated Mention of Tony Clifton (2017)

Method acting is a fascinating part of the film industry.  Actors and actresses are lauded for losing themselves in characters, becoming those people.  But, sometimes the pursuit of a spot-on performance can stir up many issues on set, and for the individual as well.  Jim Carrey became Andy Kaufman in Man on the Moon in 1999.  But, he soon forgot how to be Jim as described in Jim & Andy: The Great Beyond.  The following review will be spoiler free.

Synopsis

Directed By: Chris Smith

Produced By: Spike Jonze

Narrated By: Jim Carrey

In 1999, Jim Carrey earned the opportunity to play his idol Andy Kaufman in Man on the Moon.  The behind-the-scenes footage of his work in the film was held back by Universal Studios in fear…until now.  During Jim & Andy, we see what great lengths Carrey took to arrive at his eerily spot-on performance of the late comedian, even if it meant being ridiculed by the rest of the cast and crew.  However, we also learn how taxing method-acting can become.  While looking back at one of his best performances, Carrey ponders identity, reality, and life as a whole.

Background

Man on the Moon has become somewhat of a cult classic since its release back in 1999.  The film was originally a flop, earning only $47.4 million on a $82 million budget.  However, some outlets, most notably Entertainment Weekly, praise the film as the best movie of the year.  Ultimately, critics were a tad split on the film, but everyone praised Jim Carrey for his turn as Andy Kaufman.  He went on to win a Golden Globe for his performance in the much maligned “comedy/musical” category.

The film itself tried its best to stay true to the life of Andy Kaufman, showing all his best and most memorable antics on late night television and his personal life.  Some became a little annoyed with which events the film chose to depict, but many maintain the film’s accuracy, or merely a version of the events that probably would have made Kaufman happy.

image via Slash Film

Jim’s (Andy’s) Antics are Almost Too Good To Be True

Jim Carrey is Andy Kaufman.  He didn’t just act as the famous comedian, he became him.  The behind-the-scenes footage shows “Andy” in a completely unhinged state.  Carrey embodied Kaufman, taking over his mannerisms, actions, and even his disputes.  He was in a different state of being (his words, not mine).  It’s alluring to see a person act in such a deranged manner, as if they are on a different plain of existence.  It’s also pretty hilarious.  Let’s be honest, watching Jim Carrey lose it is second to none.

To put in bluntly, Carrey made the filming of Man on the Moon a living hell for almost everyone involved.  Andy Kaufman’s persona, Tony Clifton, would appear and wreak havoc, throwing drinks, running after women, and even harrass the offices of Steven Spielberg (no, seriously).  Kaufman would also come out and cause some problems.  When asked why he did such things, Carrey exclaimed that everything was out of his control.  Andy took over, leaving Carrey nowhere to be seen.

Everyone, including director Milos Forman, was totally and completely annoyed by Carrey.  But, like your viewing experience of the documentary, there was something fascinating that drew everyone to him.  There was a strange dynamic while filming.  Judd Hirsch and Danny DeVito would exclaim how infuriated they were.  But, the next second, they’d love every bit of it.

image via Netflix

Think Twice About Becoming a Method Actor

However, all that entertainment came at a price for Carrey.  The documentary delves into Carrey himself, paralleling his life with Kaufman’s.  We begin to understand what made Carrey the comedian he became.  We learn why he became the man of many faces, curtailing his style to what audiences would like best.  The life of the comedian is tough.  As Carrey explains, you either become the character to you created and kill your true self, or you lose what made you so beloved.  I go back to the same description, but this struggle is fascinating.  What do you do?  Stay true to yourself or become beloved?

Andy Kaufman took something away from Carrey, causing Carrey to struggle with his identity after the end of filming.  Picking up the pieces of his life was incredibly challenging.  There’s no doubt that this role permanently changed Carrey.

image via Online Athens

In Essence, Jim & Andy is the Demise of Jim Carrey Himself

Jim Carrey has undergone a personality change in recent years.  Many were curious as to what exactly happened, but, as Carrey explains in Jim & Andy, he’s now at peace.

All of his roles reflected some aspect of his life.  He felt broken during Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.  He felt alone during The Truman Show.  But as for Man on the Moon, he was confused.  Unclear of his own path, Carrey made his own.  Now, his take on the universe and being is always evolving.  He might seem like a crazy person to you, but his reality makes sense to him.  During his time as Andy Kaufman, nothing really made sense.  Although it widely differs from the typical train of thought, it’s what makes Jim happy these days.

image via Film Pulse

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, Jim & Andy may be seen as a downer to some, considering Andy Kaufman somewhat broke Jim Carrey in the end.  However, this documentary is still as fascinating as anything you’ll see in theaters this year.  Netflix continues to put out great content at an alarming rate, and Jim & Andy is one of the better documentaries of recent times.  It gets an A-.

Jim & Andy is an incredibly fascinating look into the perils of becoming lost in a character.  You may be praised for your great work.  But, you might just lose yourself in the process.

image via Collider

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