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A focus of many specials since his passing in 1984 (though many believed it was a prank) Andy Kaufman still remains of the most iconic comedians of his time. Though, he would frown at that phrasing.
Like many before, Alex Braverman‘s Thank You Very Much takes on the near impossible task of showing who this enigmatic anti-comedian comedy star was. The film starts off from Kaufman‘s own direction, an interesting format to thrust us into his particular brand of hilarity that was inherently unique. From there, we are taken through the journey of his career, by his own words and of those who knew him.
In the 70’s and 80’s the performer made quite the splash and the film takes us through the various waves. The film is cut with a lot of Kaufman‘s iconic performances, including is time on Saturday Night Live, Taxi and talk show clips. Braverman uses interviews from friends and co-stars alike, including performance artist Laurie Anderson, who’s stories and comedic adventures with Kaufman are some of my favorites. Often planted at comedy clubs, she would be brought into the performance while attendees were none the wiser.
Performing, is what he truly did, and some would say, he never stopped. Everybody was an audience.
Kaufman‘s commitment to every performance was admirable, even if it could fray some nerves. With Thank You Very Much we see layers to his brilliance, and it’s told within a thoughtful and fascinating documentary.
“I am not a comic, I have never told a joke.”
Antics and pranks aside, there’s a sense of passion to his craft that you can’t deny. This film is a tribute that strikes an emotional chord and keeps its talking heads close to the chest (including known faces such as Steve Martin and Danny DeVito and collaborator Bob Zmuda and girlfriend Lynne Margulies). There’s also a dive into his altar ego Tony Clifton and the frustration that erupted on set with Judd Hirsch. It also discusses his time as a wrestler, provoking and paying women to wrestle him while making misogynistic remarks.
source: Drafthouse Films
This was a man who would attempt to read The Great Gatsby to a crowd, completely straight faced, and would often be fueled by the infuriation of those watching. It would drive him.
So, do we get any more insight into who Kaufman was? Not necessarily.
The film definitely wanes nostalgia, but that’s alright. This represents a bygone time, not only in hilarity, but in life. When you watch some of these performances you are often transported to a time where they could only truly exist. Yes, there have been many inspired by Kaufman‘s work, but it begs the question, would he have been able to pull these off now? How would this work today?
Performance art is just one way to describe Kaufman‘s work. Subverter of viewer expectations is another. I wish I had had an opportunity to witness some of these legendary stunts that would still be revered. If you’re a fan of Kaufman‘s, you’ll find a lot of the same here, but there are some additions that makes it worth it, including some terrific archival footage collected and edited in a concise and entertaining way.
For the most part, Thank You Very Much works, and provides some insight into a person who still (and probably always will) remain a mystery to us. And, personally, I’m okay with that.
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