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9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
This guy sends comedy in a different direction, January 30, 2005
This review is from: I'm From Hollywood / My Breakfast With Blassie (DVD)
Andy Kaufmann was known as the comedian's comedian, and for good reason. He found humor in the strangest places, and many stand up comedians claim that he showed them a kind of comedy that they didn't know was possible.
Andy pushes the boundries of what is acceptable, in the name of humor, maybe more strongly here than anywhere ever seen. This is anti-Seinfeld stuff. Seinfeld describes commonplace things in an uncommon way to make familiar situations seem strange and funny, giving you a chuckle - standard standup. In this film, Andy taunts an audience of thousands in a Tennessee ampitheater, after telling them that they are stupid, and unclean. He plays a character - an arrogant "hollywood" guy, who has some need to prove his physical superiority by beating up women. In doing this, he makes himself into a kind of ridiculous villian, and the audience swells with hatred for him. Example of his extravances: he struts around the ring wearing a GIANT crown and velvet cape, claiming to be the "King of Tennessee". Right before getting pummled by the "hero", Jerry Lawler. Andy, wearing long underwear under his boxer shorts, spends most of the match trying to escape Jerry by running and hiding (in the ring).
This character would be easily dismissed if the insults were not so real, and painful, and I think this is what makes the comedy so biting... it comes very close to pain. The very satisfying thing about Andy is that, though you might have to wait a long time for the punchline, it always comes, and it is all the laugh is all the stronger for having to wait so long!
This is the kind of DVD that you have to get to hand off to friends.
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8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
You may not understand this..., August 7, 2000
This review is from: I'm From Hollywood / My Breakfast With Blassie (DVD)
While we gaze in glory upon the USA Network and even UPN as today's pro wrestling heroes parade around in their oiled-down, eyebrow raising glory, it's hard to believe that nearly two decades ago one of the biggest flaps in the sport was an introverted Jewish boy from Great Neck, Long Island. What's harder to believe is that, once again, we were the joke. While Andy's put-ons and antics were well known from the beginning of his career, even the seasoned comedy pros and those closest to him thought Andy had pretty much lost it by the time he climbed into the ring with Jerry Lawler. When you watch this DVD, you will be amazed as even Robin Williams proffers that perhaps Andy had finally slipped that thin, vague line he seemed to tread. This is a well produced DVD. The songs, cheesy as they may be, can be almost catchy at times. The interviews are first class, and the production, while obviously low-budget, is surprisingly well done. On the bonus side, you also get "My Breakfast With Blassie," which you really must see to believe. This DVD is only for those who hold Andy in a special place in their hearts, not those whith only scant familiarity. If you're new to Andy, buy "Man on the Moon" and couple it with Bob Zmuda's book. If Andy has already found a niche in your heart, by all means, order this today.
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11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Crowd reactions alone worth the money., January 9, 2000
By A Customer
This is a hilarious history of Andy Kaufman's career as a wrestler. The reactions of the people in the audience alone are worth the price of the video. This was shown a while ago on Comedy Central, but this tapes is a longer version. A must for Andy Kaufman fans. Watch him explain soap to wrestling fans!
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