What's really genius
is how anyone could manage to sell a book that is written so dryly and with so little flare about a man who was all about flare.
This book, while it's interesting to read about real Andy experiences, does not do the artist any service. It's text-book dull, though fortunately not nearly as long.
I believe this is a valuable book. However, it could have been executed SO much better by the author.
Context is everything here
Look, those of us who have read "Do the Windows Open" and "The Unprofessionals" know that Julie Hecht is a fabulous talent whose wit and wisdom is both as ideosyncratic and as it is humane. Knowing her body of work helps a great deal here. What we get is vignettes of two very interesting people who bicker quite a bit--but have kinship--and a shared vision. In my opinion they both see the world as an absurd place--Andy Kaufman chose to make a big deal out of this--let everyone in on the secret. Hecht seems more inclined to let the readers come to her. Those readers who suggest that Kaufman did not like Hecht miss the point of the book--He got from her some one who wasn't in on the game--but had caring for him as a person.
Readers will enjoy the relationship, and the book for what it is--a passing of like visions in different personalities.
Insight into Man who was Strange, Totally Unique Comic
Julie Hecht followed Kaufman around sporadically over a couple of years, trying to nail down some facts about his inspiration, his life, for Harper's. Kaufman did appear to have some affinity for Hecht, in contrast to her report of another press interview she witnessed, hanging around for her own time with the performer.
This stripped-down book is almost the word-for-word transcripts of those furtive interviews. Sitting down with Hecht at diners, grabbing a taxi together, Andy let down his guard just enough times to offer up interesting facets of who he was. The interview Julie has with Kaufman's mother is creepily illuminating. Many revelations for the careful reader.
I found it engrossing. Perhaps best enjoyed by readers willing to set aside everything else they've read, concluded about the man.
An inside look at Andy
I believe the savage reviews here are unjustified. Several state that the author was not an admirer of Andy's work. Not true! She mentions 3 or 4 times that she (and her husband)were devoted fans of his comedy. Nor does she attempt to portray herself as a witty "sidekick". Did these folks READ the book? As for the book, it recounts many experiences between the author and Andy which were very, very funny.
Waste of A Book
I bought this book expecting some laughs and insight into Andy Kaufman. What I got was a self-serving book by a very annoying author who basically has nothing worthwhile to say. Andy Kaufman blew the author off for years, presumably because she was (1) annoying and (2) boring. Then, years later after he's dead, she writes a book basically setting herself up as some kind of witty side kick who gave Andy all these wonderful straight lines. No. Actually you bored Andy, were about as much fun as a wet disrag, and will bore anyone foolish enough to but this book. What a wasted opportunity. Hey Andy: you were right in not wasting too much time on the interview.
(8 reviews)
