Method Acting Intensity:: Jim Carrey remained in character as Andy Kaufman (or Kaufman's abrasive alter ego, Tony Clifton) for nearly the entire duration of the 'Man on the Moon' shoot.
The Incident:: During filming, Carrey, embodying the disruptive Clifton persona, reportedly blocked Danny DeVito from leaving his trailer for a period.
DeVito's Reaction:: While likely frustrating, DeVito, who knew the real Andy Kaufman and starred with him on 'Taxi', reportedly navigated the situation with a degree of understanding, though accounts suggest palpable tension at times.
Why this matters:: This incident highlights the extreme lengths some actors go to for method acting and the potential impact on co-stars and the filming environment. It underscores the thin line between immersive performance and disruptive behaviour.
Jim Carrey's transformation into Andy Kaufman for 'Man on the Moon' is one of Hollywood's most talked-about examples of method acting. Directed by Milos Forman and co-starring Danny DeVito (who played Kaufman's manager, George Shapiro), the film aimed to capture Kaufman's unique and often confrontational comedic style. Carrey's refusal to break character, even off-camera, meant the cast and crew interacted with 'Andy' or 'Tony Clifton' rather than Jim Carrey.
The incident where DeVito was confined to his trailer occurred while Carrey was portraying Tony Clifton, Kaufman's obnoxious lounge singer persona known for clashing with others. By physically preventing DeVito from leaving, Carrey was arguably acting 'in character' as the intentionally difficult Clifton. While not a literal imprisonment, the act created an uncomfortable and tense situation, testing the patience of seasoned professionals like DeVito. This behaviour is documented further in the Netflix documentary 'Jim & Andy: The Great Beyond', which used extensive behind-the-scenes footage from the film's production.
Q: What movie were Jim Carrey and Danny DeVito filming when this happened?
They were filming the Andy Kaufman biopic 'Man on the Moon' (1999).
Q: Was Danny DeVito actually harmed or in danger?
No, DeVito was not physically harmed. The incident stemmed from Carrey's intense method acting and improvisation as the character Tony Clifton.
Q: How did Danny DeVito really feel about the incident?
While reports suggest DeVito understood Carrey's process due to his own history with Kaufman, the situation was undoubtedly unconventional and likely caused some level of professional frustration.
Method acting can create incredibly authentic performances but sometimes leads to challenging or bizarre on-set dynamics.
The context of the film (about the unpredictable Andy Kaufman) is key to understanding Carrey's deep immersion in the role.
Professional actors often need to navigate complex interpersonal situations, even when caused by a co-star's artistic process.
Do you think method acting like Jim Carrey's portrayal of Andy Kaufman enhances a film, or does it go too far? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
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Source: Far Out Magazine
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