Man on the Moon

Known as a face on the moon.

Man on the Moon is the name of the 1999 film, based on the unusual life and career of comedian Andy Kaufman.

The movie, starring Jim Carrey and directed by Miloš Forman, begins at Kaufman's childhood, where you see him performing imaginary television programs for stuffed animals. The story traces Kaufman's steps through the numerous comedy clubs, and television appearances that made him famous, including his memorable appearances on Saturday Night Live, Late Night with David Letterman, Fridays, and his role as the loveable "Latka Gravis" on the television sitcom, Taxi.

This film is a look behind the scenes of all of the inside jokes, scams and put-ons that Kaufman was famous for.

The film also stars Danny DeVito as Kaufman's manager, Courtney Love, and Paul Giamatti as Bob Zmuda. Many of Kaufman's real life friends and costars also appear in the film (although not neccesarily as themselves) including DeVito, Zmuda, David Letterman, professional wrestler Jerry Lawler, Budd Friedman, Jeff Conaway, Marilu Henner, Judd Hirsch, Christopher Lloyd, and Saturday Night Live creator Lorne Michaels.

The movie featured music by rock band R.E.M. including a song, also called "Man on the Moon", from their 1992 album Automatic for the People and the Grammy nominated "The Great Beyond".

Cast

• Jim Carrey Kaufman/Tony Clifton
• Danny DeVito George Shapiro
• Courtney Love Lynne Margulies
• Paul Giamatti Bob Zmuda/Tony Clifton
• Vincent Schiavelli Maynard Smith
• Gerry Becker Stanley Kaufman
• Jerry Lawler Himself
• Leslie Lyles Janice Kaufman
• Peter Bonerz Ed. Weinberger
• George Shapiro Mr. Besserman
• Tom Dreesen Wiseass Comic
• Richard Belzer Himself
• Dr. Isadore Rosenfeld NBC Executive
• Gerry Robert Byrne 'Taxi' AD/Stage Manager
• Bob Zmuda Jack Burns

Stills

External links

• Man on the Moon at the Internet Movie Database