Thank You Very Much is an exploration of Andy Kaufman’s all-too-short career packed with never-before-seen footage that’ll make you question reality, plus intimate interviews with friends, colleagues, and family members who are still trying to figure out if Andy was a genius, a madman, or both. Was he a comedian? An anti-comedian? A performance artist who accidentally stumbled into comedy clubs?
In September 2024, Drafthouse Films secured the distribution rights to the highly anticipated documentary Thank You Very Much, which explores the enigmatic career of Andy Kaufman. The film is slated for a limited theatrical release on March 28, 2025, giving audiences an exclusive opportunity to experience Kaufman’s groundbreaking and unconventional comedic legacy on the big screen.
Drafthouse Films known for championing bold and innovative cinema, this release promises to bring Kaufman’s boundary-pushing performances to both longtime fans and new audiences alike.
Whether you’re a lifelong Kaufman fan or just discovering his work, this film is your front-row seat to the chaos, creativity, and sheer unpredictability of a man who redefined what comedy could be. Get ready to laugh, scratch your head, and maybe even wrestle with your assumptions about humor.
Andy Kaufman’s provocative comedy often outraged audiences, challenging them to confront their presumptions. Through never-before-seen footage and intimate recollections, filmmaker Alex Braverman explores Kaufman’s brief but impactful life and career. As the lines between performance and reality blur in our present age, Kaufman’s genius resonates more than ever.
Was Andy Kaufman the comedy’s greatest troll?
Andy Kaufman’s approach to comedy was so unconventional that it often left audiences unsure whether they were in on the joke or the butt of it. His performances blurred the line between reality and performance art, creating an experience that was as fascinating as it was polarizing. Many people struggled to define their relationship with Kaufman—was he a genius, a prankster, or just an agent of chaos? His delivery was deliberately provocative, challenging the very notion of what comedy could or should be.
Unlike traditional comedians who relied on punchlines and relatable humor, Kaufman thrived on discomfort and unpredictability. He wasn’t interested in making people laugh in a conventional sense—he wanted to provoke reactions, whether they were laughter, confusion, or even outright hostility. His refusal to adhere to comedic norms made him both a revolutionary and a divisive figure.
In many ways, Kaufman was an early pioneer of what would later be recognized as trolling—the art of provoking strong reactions by assuming the persona of clueless fools, unhinged oddballs, or aggressively abrasive characters. Whether he was playing the clueless and tone-deaf lounge singer Tony Clifton, engaging in bizarre wrestling matches with women, or reading The Great Gatsby onstage until audiences walked out, Kaufman’s genius lay in his ability to blur the boundary between performance and reality. His comedy was not about seeking approval but about challenging perceptions, leaving behind a legacy that continues to influence comedians and performance artists to this day.
Andy Kaufman didn’t just push the envelope—he set it on fire, mailed it to himself, and then pretended it never existed. Buckle up, because this is the wild, weird, and wonderfully Kaufman-esque ride you didn’t know you needed.
Mark your calendars, clear your schedules, and prepare your popcorn—Thank You Very Much starts on March 28, you can catch this captivating film in select theaters, where the big screen will do justice to every heartfelt moment and jaw-dropping revelation. But if you’re more of a ‘pajamas and couch’ kind of movie watcher (no judgment here), you’re in luck—it’s also dropping on Digital the same day.
That’s right, you can experience the magic from the comfort of your living room, where the only line you’ll have to wait in is the one for your fridge. Whether you’re a theater purist or a digital devotee, March 28 is the day to immerse yourself in this unforgettable story. Don’t miss it—your future self will thank you very much!
Directed by: Alex Braverman
Run Time: 99 minutes of pure Kaufman-esque chaos (you’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll question reality).
Starring:
- Andy Kaufman (obviously, the man, the myth, the enigma himself).
- Bob Zmuda (Kaufman’s partner-in-crime and the guy who probably has the best Kaufman stories).
- Danny DeVito (because who else could keep up with Kaufman’s antics?).
- Marilu Henner (bringing warmth and insight to the madness).
- Steve Martin (another comedy legend who understands Kaufman’s brand of genius).
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