Exercise: Jim & Andy

Watch Jim & Andy: The Great Beyond.

Then listen to The Art of Charm, episode 675: Rotten Psychology.

Controlling for bias on both sides, write a stream of consciousness on your reaction to both. At least 500 words, but no upper limit.

You can use the following questions to help inspire your thoughts:

  • What was Jim Carrey’s objective in playing the role of Andy Kaufman?

  • Who is the audience?

  • What differences are there, if any, between Andy Kaufman’s objectives and those of Jim Carrey as Andy?

  • How does The Art of Charm’s point about ensemble versus solo practitioners apply, if at all, to acting and this film in particular?

  • What shared vocabulary exists between the two source materials?

  • Are the philosophies of Jim Carrey and Justin Ramsdell incompatible? If so, how could they be made to be compatible? Is there a happy medium?

If you’re comfortable sharing your work, please post it here or send it to me directly.

Training MaterialsKellen York1 Comment