Milwaukee-based filmmaker Chris Smith’s new documentary will premiere on Netflix on Nov. 17.
The new film is about the making of the Andy Kaufman biopic “Man in the Moon” and actor Jim Carrey’s transformation into the volcanic character.
The full title is “Jim & Andy: The Great Beyond – Featuring A Very Special Contractually Obligated Appearance by Tony Clifton.”
“Jim & Andy” was created from hundreds of hours of unused footage from the 1999 film “Man In The Moon,” directed by Milos Forman. It was edited by Smith’s longtime collaborator and area native Barry Poltermann.
Smith is best known for the 1999 documentary “American Movie,” about the Northwest side Milwaukee horror filmmaker Mark Borchardt. It was co-directed by Sarah Price.
Kaufman was a performance artist known for his surreal comedy routines that challenged audience’s perceptions of reality. Many even regarded his death on May 17, 1984 as being part of his act. The Tony Clifton referred to in the title is one of his alter-egos, played by Bob Zmuda.
Carrey is the over the top film comic and actor from such films as “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.”
with Smith and Carrey at the Toronto Film Festival, where the film was purchased by Netflix.
Tags: Andy Kaufman, Barry Poltermann, Chris Smith, Jim Carrey, Milos Forman Posted by