Man on the Moon

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Man on the Moon ★★ 1999 (R)

Clunky bio of bizarro comedian Andy Kaufman (Carrey) who died of cancer at age 35 in 1984. The problem is that Kaufman is opaque—he doesn't seem to have a true personality but assumes bizarre alter-egos, including obnoxious lounge singer Tony Clifton. Kaufman turned out to be most appealing as innocent Latka on the sitcom “Taxi,” which he professes to despise. For all Carrey's expertise, you won't care too much about what's onscreen. Title comes from R.E.M.'s song about Kaufman; they also supplied the film's music. 118m/C VHS, DVD . Jim Carrey, Courtney Love, Danny DeVito, Paul Giamatti, Vincent Schiavelli, Peter Bonerz, Marilu Henner, Judd Hirsch; D: Milos Forman; W: Scott M. Alexander, Larry Karaszewski; C: Terry Michos. Golden Globes ‘00: Actor—Mus./Comedy (Carrey).