Watch I'm from Hollywood
- 1989
- 1 hr 1 min
-
7.6 (549)
I'm From Hollywood is a documentary-style comedy film from 1989 that stars comedian Andy Kaufman, famous wrestler Jerry Lawler, and actor Tony Danza. The movie is directed by Lynne Margulies and Joe Orr. The film is a tribute to Kaufman's career as a comedian, and it takes place in the final months of his life. The movie opens with Kaufman on the set of Taxi, the TV show that launched his career. We see him joking around with his co-stars and doing a stand-up routine in between takes.
The film then switches to Kaufman's obsession with wrestling, specifically his ongoing feud with Jerry Lawler. He recounts how he got interested in wrestling and how he began to taunt Lawler on his TV show. The film includes footage of the infamous match between Kaufman and Lawler, where Lawler famously slapped Kaufman across the face, leading to Kaufman's meltdown.
Throughout the movie, we see Kaufman's fascination with the idea of faking his own death. He talks openly about it, and even goes so far as to bring in a celebrity impersonator to play him at his own funeral. The film shows Kaufman's genuine belief that he could pull off such a stunt, and his utter disappointment when he realizes that he may not be able to fool everyone.
The film also explores Kaufman's fascination with Transcendental Meditation, which he believed could help him achieve enlightenment. We see footage of Kaufman meditating and talking about his beliefs, and we also see him trying to convince Tony Danza to join him on his quest for inner peace.
I'm From Hollywood is a unique film that combines comedy, documentary, and drama. It is an intimate look at the life of a comedic genius, who was often misunderstood in his time. The movie delves deep into Kaufman's psyche, revealing his hopes, fears, and dreams.
The film is decidedly low-budget, with a grainy, home-movie feel. This adds to the authenticity of the movie, as it feels like we are watching private footage of Kaufman's life. The editing is clever and well-done, blending all of the different elements of the movie into a cohesive whole.
One of the highlights of the film is Kaufman's relationship with Jerry Lawler. The documentary-style footage gives us a behind-the-scenes look at the infamous Kaufman/Lawler feud. We see how Kaufman orchestrated the entire thing, and we also see how Lawler played along. The film shows us that the two men were actually friends, and that the entire feud was an elaborate joke that got out of hand.
I'm From Hollywood is not a movie for everyone. It is very much a movie about a specific time and place, and it is heavily focused on Kaufman's idiosyncrasies. However, for fans of comedy, wrestling, or Andy Kaufman himself, it is a fascinating look at the life of a truly unique performer. It is a movie that will leave you laughing, crying, and scratching your head in equal measure.
In conclusion, I'm From Hollywood is a must-see for fans of Andy Kaufman and for those who appreciate unconventional comedy. It is a movie that defies easy categorization, but that is part of its charm. It is a reminder that there was no one quite like Andy Kaufman, and that he left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment.