Man on the Moon (1999)

Man on the Moon is a bold, offbeat biopic of eccentric comedian Andy Kaufman that blends comedy, drama and surrealism to blur the line between performance and reality. Directed by Milos Forman and anchored by a chameleonic Jim Carrey as Kaufman, the film follows his rise from oddball nightclub act to beloved TV mechanic Latka Gravas on Taxi, and then to notoriety as the self‑declared Inter-Gender Wrestling Champion. Viewers witness Kaufman’s elaborate pranks, boundary-pushing performances and the famous, volatile feud with wrestler Jerry Lawler — scenes that oscillate between staged provocation and real-life fallout. Watching the movie you’ll laugh at Kaufman’s daring, awkward humor, feel uncomfortable as his stunts provoke and manipulate audiences, and be moved by his complicated private life: his bond with manager George Shapiro, the scheming collaborations with friend Bob Zmuda, and his relationship with Lynne Margulies. The film purposely leaves questions about motive and identity unresolved, inviting you to decide how much of Kaufman’s life was artifice. Expect an emotionally textured, sometimes disorienting ride that’s part tribute, part mystery — equal measures entertaining and unsettling.

Actors: Jim Carrey, Danny DeVito, Gerry Becker

Director: Milos Forman

Runtime: 118 min

Genres: Biography, Comedy, Drama

6.9 /10 58 /100 7.4 /10 6.7 /10