This fascinating new documentary from director Chris Smith does several things at once: it is a portrait of two of the most inspired and original comic performers of the last half-century; an intimate, behind-the-scenes look at an actor’s total immersion into an exceedingly challenging role; and a personal, heartfelt homage from one genius mischief-maker to another. Get ready to laugh. And squirm. With a title Kaufman would have appreciated, Jim & Andy: the Great Beyond – the story of Jim Carrey & Andy Kaufman featuring a very special, contractually obligated mention of Tony Cliftonis a seamless weave of archival performance clips, startling, previously unseen on-set footage from Man on the Moon, and what is perhaps the most candid and extensive interview Carrey has ever given. Smith grants us unprecedented access to Carrey’s creative process, his philosophy, and his debt to Kaufman, whose legacy still has the power to enthrall, provoke, and unnerve. (Toronto)
