Thank You Very Much (film)

Last updated

Thank You Very Much
Thank You Very Much film poster.jpg
Theatrical release poster
Directed byAlex Braverman
Produced by
  • Lauren Belfer
  • Alex Braverman
  • Joe Plummer
Cinematography
  • Brandon Somerhalder
  • Jeremy Leach
Edited by
  • Alan Lowe
  • Jarad Jeter
Music by Christopher Bear
Production
companies
Distributed by Drafthouse Films
Release dates
  • August 31, 2023 (2023-08-31)(Venice)
  • March 28, 2025 (2025-03-28)(United States)
Running time
99 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish

Thank You Very Much is a 2023 documentary film directed by Alex Braverman. A portrait of Andy Kaufman's personal life and career, it premiered at the 80th edition of the Venice Film Festival. It also features interviews with Bob Zmuda, Danny DeVito, Lynne Margulies, Steve Martin, and Marilu Henner. It is set to be released in limited theaters on March 28, 2025.

Contents

Synopsis

The film analyzes both Andy Kaufman's career and life in a non-strictly linear structure, [1] with rare and never-before-seen footage, [2] and also investigates his life events and choices from a psychological perspective. [1] [3] Interwees in the film include longtime collaborator Bob Zmuda, romantic partner Lynne Margulies, and actors Steve Martin, Danny DeVito, and Marilu Henner. [1]

Production

Braveman decided to make the documentary after he got possession of some unreleased archival material about Kaufman, and felt 'there was still a bigger story to tell' about him. [4] The film was co-produced by Safdie brothers and Morgan Neville. [4]

Release

The film had its world premiere at the 80th Venice International Film Festival in the Venice Classics sidebar, where it was awarded best documentary film. [5] It was the second documentary to be screened at the Venice Festival after Jim & Andy: The Great Beyond , which premiered at the 74th Venice International Film Festival. [6] In September 2024, Drafthouse Films acquired distribution rights to the film. [7] It is set to be released in limited theaters on March 28, 2025. [8]

Reception

On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes , 100% of 6 critics' reviews are positive, with an average rating of 7.50/10. [9]

References

  1. 1 2 3 Fienberg, Daniel (August 31, 2023). "'Thank You Very Much' Review: An Andy Kaufman Doc That Errs on the Side of Over-Explanation". The Hollywood Reporter . Retrieved June 8, 2024.
  2. Perez, Rodrigo (September 1, 2024). "'Thank You Very Much' Review: Gonzo Comedian Andy Kaufman' Is Finally Understood & Yet Remains An Enigma [Telluride]". theplaylist.net. Retrieved June 8, 2024.
  3. Zilko, Christian (August 31, 2023). "'Thank You Very Much' Review: Andy Kaufman Doc Is a Conventional Tribute to Artist Who Loathed Convention". IndieWire . Retrieved June 8, 2024.
  4. 1 2 Wray, Daniel Dylan (April 17, 2024). ""I Cry Every Time": Josh Safdie on the Legacy of Comedian Andy Kaufman". Another Magazine . Retrieved June 8, 2024.
  5. Lattanzio, Ryan (September 9, 2023). "'Poor Things' Wins Venice Film Festival Golden Lion — See All the Winners Here". IndieWire . Retrieved June 8, 2024.
  6. Gleiberman, Owen (August 31, 2023). "'Thank You Very Much' Review: A Documentary Chronicles the Life and Career of Andy Kaufman — but More Than That, It Understands Him". Variety . Retrieved June 8, 2024.
  7. Carey, Matthew (September 25, 2024). "Drafthouse Films Acquires Andy Kaufman Documentary 'Thank You Very Much,' Penetrating Look Into "The Most Thrilling, Enigmatic Performer"". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved September 25, 2024.
  8. Bergeson, Samantha (February 12, 2025). "Andy Kaufman's Comedic Legacy Is Captured by EPs Morgan Neville and Josh & Benny Safdie in 'Thank You Very Much' — Watch Trailer". IndieWire . Retrieved February 14, 2025.
  9. "Thank You Very Much". Rotten Tomatoes . Retrieved June 8, 2024.