All Of It: Exploring the Mind of Groundbreaking Performer Andy Kaufman

Host: Tiffany Hansen (in place of Alison Stewart)
Guest: Alex Braverman, Director of Thank You Very Much
Release Date: March 27, 2025

Introduction to Andy Kaufman and the Documentary

In this episode of All Of It, Tiffany Hansen delves into the enigmatic world of Andy Kaufman with filmmaker Alex Braverman, who has recently completed Thank You Very Much, a documentary that offers fresh perspectives on Kaufman's life and legacy. The conversation opens with a brief overview of Kaufman's influence in American comedy, highlighting his unconventional performances and the blurred lines between reality and performance that he masterfully navigated.

Opening with the Climax: A Deliberate Choice

The documentary begins intriguingly with Kaufman's voice discussing the structure of film, stating, “[00:23] Andy Kaufman: We start with the climax and then there’s a minute of silence.” This choice sets the tone for the film's unconventional narrative style.

Alex Braverman explains, “[02:20] he wants to play with your idea of expectation and structure… we just wanted to open with a bit that no one had seen before to signal this is a film that's going to have a lot of material on Kaufman that you weren't aware of.” This approach mirrors Kaufman's own methods of challenging audience expectations and creating a unique viewing experience.

Non-Linear Storytelling: Emulating Kaufman's Style

Braverman discusses the film’s mostly linear but occasionally non-linear structure, which aims to present Kaufman’s career before delving into his personal life. He notes, “[04:12]... the film is structured in a way where we don't begin at the beginning of his life, we really begin at the beginning of his career.” This method helps viewers understand Kaufman's evolution as a performer, drawing connections between his early work and his personal experiences.

Uncovering Unseen Footage: The Vault of Andy Kaufman

A significant part of the documentary’s appeal lies in its newly uncovered footage. Braverman recounts his eight-and-a-half-year journey to access this material, describing the discovery of “[06:03] box after box that had the letter K on it… it took months and months to sift through everything.” This extensive archive includes candid home videos and previously unseen interviews, providing a deeper insight into Kaufman's life and creative process.

The Complex Relationship with His Father

One of the most poignant moments Braverman shares is the discovery of footage featuring Andy’s father, Stanley Kaufman. “[09:27] The first reel I pulled out… was Andy's father… I just got chills and goosebumps… there's a scene in the movie where… Andy and his father had a really tough relationship, especially when he was a teenager.” This revelation adds emotional depth to the documentary, showcasing the reconciliation between Andy and his father, contradicting the earlier narrative of a purely estranged relationship.

The Title: Thank You Very Much

The documentary's title, Thank You Very Much, encapsulates Kaufman's dual nature as both an entertainer and a complex individual. Braverman explains, “[12:05]… 'thank you very much' became a little bit of a mantra that was just popping up all over the place… it's such a showbiz phrase that has great meaning and no meaning at all.” The phrase serves as a recurring motif throughout the film, symbolizing the ambiguous and multifaceted aspects of Kaufman’s persona.

Embarrassment as a Tool for Engagement

A recurring theme in Kaufman's work is the use of embarrassment to capture and manipulate audience reactions. Braverman elaborates, “[16:05] what all of his work is about… is demanding your total attention… embarrassment functions as a way to really suck you in.” Kaufman's ability to make audiences feel awkward or uncomfortable was not an end in itself but a strategy to engage them more deeply with his performances.

Silence and Participation: A Unique Approach to Comedy

Kaufman's use of silence is another innovative technique discussed in the documentary. “[25:13] silence… is creating room for ideas to bubble to the surface… he uses silence as a tool to get the audience invested and get the audience participating in their own silent way.” This method breaks conventional comedic timing, inviting the audience to become active participants in the performance rather than passive observers.

Performance as Continuous: Beyond the Stage

Braverman shares anecdotes that illustrate Kaufman’s belief that performance extends beyond formal settings. “[26:09] Andy would take his Carnegie Hall audience out for milk and cookies after the show… the performance continued to take place after the show was over.” This philosophy underscores Kaufman's view that life itself is a stage, and every interaction is part of an ongoing performance.

Legacy and Intent: Kaufman's Enduring Mystery

The documentary emphasizes Kaufman's intention to be remembered as a performance artist who blurred the lines between reality and fiction. “[14:27] It's what keeps it going. It's what keeps it alive… all of his performances and material is designed to be remembered and to echo out basically forever.” Kaufman’s deliberate ambiguity and mysterious persona ensure his lasting impact on the world of entertainment.

Intersection of Entertainment and Enlightenment

In a thought-provoking segment, Kaufman explores the value of entertainment in an enlightened world. “[20:42] Andy Kaufman: What is the value of entertainment? If everybody was enlightened, would there be any need for entertainment like comedy and tragedy…” This philosophical inquiry highlights Kaufman's deep thinking and his ability to intertwine humor with profound questions about human existence.

Conclusion: The Endless Show

The episode wraps up with the notion that Kaufman’s influence is perpetual. “[27:25] The show never ends… this is the real Andy Kaufman.” Braverman and Hansen reflect on Kaufman’s enduring legacy, affirming that his unique approach to performance continues to inspire and perplex audiences decades later.

Notable Quotes

• Andy Kaufman
  “[00:23] We start with the climax and then there’s a minute of silence.”

• Alex Braverman
  “[02:20]… we just wanted to open with a bit that no one had seen before… this is going to go up and down and left and right and all over the place.”

• Andy Kaufman
  “[20:42] What is the value of entertainment? If everybody was enlightened, would there be any need for entertainment like comedy and tragedy…”

• Alex Braverman
  “[16:05] what all of his work is about… is demanding your total attention… embarrassment functions as a way to really suck you in.”

Thank You Very Much promises to be a definitive documentary on Andy Kaufman, offering unprecedented access to his personal archives and shedding new light on his innovative approach to comedy and performance art. Through insightful interviews and rare footage, Alex Braverman captures the essence of a performer who continues to intrigue and inspire, embodying the true spirit of All Of It—a show about culture and its multifaceted creators.