Andy Kaufman is Me is Eye Opening Look Into Avant-Garde Comedian

You couldn’t turn on a television in the 70’s without seeing Andy Kaufman, whose performance art style of comedy was unique to the genre.  Who can forget that first episode of  ‘Saturday Night Live’ where he lip-synced the hook of Mighty Mouse’s theme song? Or, his endearing character Latka Gravas on the hit sitcom ‘Taxi? ‘  Very similar to Robin Williams, Kaufman was a comedic comet that had never hit this realm. His  brand of entertaining audiences paved a path for  Bo Burnham, Eric Andre, Patton Oswalt and Jim Carrey.

Directed by Clay Tweel, Andy Kaufman Is Me is a revealing documentary offering a treasure trove  of never before-heard audio recordings allowing audiences to get the most of the facts straight from Kaufman himself.  Featuring intimate interviews with  with siblings Michael and Carol Kaufman, along with friends and collaborators including David Letterman, Carol Kane and Tim Heidecker, the film peels away layers of a man whose personal life and comedy was more complex than one could’ve ever imagined.

This doc also addresses how this jovial genius transitioned from being one the hottest commodities in Hollywood to one of the most reviled.  Mostly due to taking on women in the wrestling ring and not hiding behind a persona to do so.  Yet, one of the most endearing moments is watching him have a one-on-one conversation with his childhood hero – Howdy Doody.  It is this moment, the audience realizes that Andy Kaufman is really just a child at heart who never really grew up.

As someone who was not a smoker, the industry was flabbergasted when the announcement of his death from large cell-lung carcinoma hit the airwaves.  Many believed it was another comedic stunt, but alas, it was indeed true.  This once lovable, eccentric talent had left this realm for another leaving behind  a treasure trove of memories for his family, friends and fans.