MILOS FORMAN
Bil’s rating (out of 5): BBB.
United Kingdom/Germany/Japan/USA, 1999. Universal Pictures, Mutual Film Company, Jersey Films, Cinehaus, Shapiro/West Productions, Tele München Fernseh Produktionsgesellschaft, British Broadcasting Corporation, Marubeni, Toho-Towa. Screenplay by Scott Alexander, Larry Karaszewski. Cinematography by Anastas N. Michos. Produced by Danny DeVito, Michael Shamberg, Stacey Sher. Music by R.E.M.. Production Design by Patrizia von Brandenstein. Costume Design by Jeffrey Kurland. Film Editing by Adam Boome, Lynzee Klingman, Christopher Tellefsen.
Shallow biopic of controversial comedian Andy Kaufman, most famous for his role as Latka on Taxi. Jim Carrey is brilliant as Kaufman (and all his alter egos), who was himself considered a genius by those who understood him well enough, but the script by the writing team of Larry Karaszewksi and Scott Alexander (Ed Wood, The People Vs. Larry Flynt) makes no serious attempt to get into Kaufman’s private life or his head, leaving the film limp and unmoving. Director Milos Forman (who also directed Flynt) doesn’t seem all that committed to the project, and wastes the talent of both his star and wonderful leading lady Courtney Love (as Kaufman’s longtime girlfriend), while Danny DeVito stands out in a supporting role.
Berlin Film Festival Award: Best Director (Milos Forman)
Golden Globe Award: Best Actor-Musical/Comedy (Jim Carrey)
Nomination: Best Picture-Musical/Comedy
Screen Actors Guild Award Nomination: Best Actor (Jim Carrey)
