The plot: Self-described “song and dance man” Andy Kaufman was one of America’s best loved entertainers until his death from cancer at the age of 35.
In his final years Kaufman took a sideways turn into the world of professional wrestling. ”I’m from Hollywood” is a 60-minute snapshot of that bizarre and confusing step into the ring, featuring archival footage of his fights against women (he proclaimed himself the Inter-Gender Champion of the World) and his long-running “feud” with wrestling icon Jerry Lawler.
Was Kaufman for real or was it all just an act, yet another extension of his devotion to performance art? That people still debate the question speaks volumes about a unique artist and his abilities.
What the critics said: “In this documentary, fans are offered a rare glimpse into the genius of a comic who was so effective at duping the audience that many assumed his diagnoses with terminal cancer was just another warped gag” (Jason Buchanan, Rovi)
Sports film of the week: I'm From Hollywood
Released: 1989
Director: Lynn Margulies, Joe Orr
The plot: Self-described “song and dance man” Andy Kaufman was one of America’s best loved entertainers until his death from cancer at the age of 35.
In his final years Kaufman took a sideways turn into the world of professional wrestling. ”I’m from Hollywood” is a 60-minute snapshot of that bizarre and confusing step into the ring, featuring archival footage of his fights against women (he proclaimed himself the Inter-Gender Champion of the World) and his long-running “feud” with wrestling icon Jerry Lawler.
Was Kaufman for real or was it all just an act, yet another extension of his devotion to performance art? That people still debate the question speaks volumes about a unique artist and his abilities.
What the critics said: “In this documentary, fans are offered a rare glimpse into the genius of a comic who was so effective at duping the audience that many assumed his diagnoses with terminal cancer was just another warped gag” (Jason Buchanan, Rovi)
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