Jim Carrey’s Method Mayhem: The Role That Broke His Director
Jim Carrey’s extreme approach to playing Andy Kaufman in Man on the Moon left director Miloš Forman exasperated, as the actor’s relentless commitment to character blurred the lines between performance and reality.
There’s a long tradition of comedians being painted as troubled souls, but Jim Carrey’s reputation for going the extra mile on set is in a league of its own. His dedication to his craft has, on more than one occasion, left those around him questioning their own sanity. Whether it was blaring the Bee Gees to survive the gruelling make-up sessions for How the Grinch Stole Christmas, enlisting a CIA expert to help him cope, or chasing a hefty paycheque, Carrey’s methods have always been a bit unconventional. Even on Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, he was known to lose his composure.
For lighter fare like Ace Ventura: Pet Detective or Dumb and Dumber, there was no need for such intensity. But when Carrey set his sights on more serious recognition, he pushed himself to the edge—physically, mentally, and emotionally. The Number 23, a much-maligned thriller that earned him a Razzie nomination, was apparently the result of a lifelong fixation. Half-measures simply aren’t in his vocabulary.
Living as Andy Kaufman
Yet nothing quite compares to the lengths he went for Man on the Moon. Carrey didn’t just play Andy Kaufman; he became him, adopting not only Kaufman’s persona but also those of his alter egos. Tony Clifton, the abrasive lounge singer, and Latka Gravas from Taxi both made appearances, with Carrey refusing to break character even when the cameras stopped rolling.
Was it all worth it? The film itself failed to make much of a splash at the box office, and while critics were generally positive, the performance didn’t bring Carrey the awards he might have hoped for. The process, however, left a mark on everyone involved—none more so than director Miloš Forman.
Director at His Wits’ End
Filming was often held up by Carrey’s antics. On one occasion, ‘Andy Kaufman’ decided to keep Danny DeVito hostage, much to the bemusement of the crew. Forman found himself having to navigate a minefield of personalities, some more tolerable than others.
“Tony Clifton was a nightmare,” he said. “He was abusive, undisciplined, arrogant; you had to flatter him all the time. I had to play this game. I felt like a fool, but then I noticed that the whole crew is enjoying watching our game. That it brings excitement on the set. That it really helped the movie. So, it was alright.”
Forman only wanted to make a film, but instead found himself contending with Carrey’s relentless commitment to the bit. The director admitted a preference for some of Carrey’s personas over others, noting that “Latka was a puppy dog,” while the overbearing Clifton persona nearly drove him round the bend.
Chaos on Set
It wasn’t just Forman who struggled. Danny DeVito, too, was left shaken by the experience, particularly by Carrey’s turn as the foul-mouthed crooner. The atmosphere on set was often tense, with the crew caught between frustration and amusement at the spectacle unfolding before them.
Carrey’s approach may have brought a certain energy to the production, but it also left a trail of frayed nerves. The line between performance and reality blurred, and for those tasked with keeping the show on the road, it was a test of patience unlike any other.