Was This Man a Genius?: Talks with Andy Kaufman

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.

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.

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.

This book is the best ever! To see the real Andy what a gift. Julie has written a wonderfully insightful book. Thank you so much Julie.