For almost twenty years, Universal Pictures was afraid to release the behind-the-scenes footage of Man on the Moon, fearing it could damage Jim Carrey’s image. However, when you watch the actual documentary, Jim & Andy: The Great Beyond, you realize that sometimes there is a kind of madness behind great acting.

Andy Kaufman was Jim Carrey’s idol. On the set, Jim was so committed to the role that between takes he never stopped playing Andy Kaufman (and his alter ego, Tony Clifton). At one point, director Miloš Forman remarked that it would be easier to talk to Jim rather than dealing with Jim playing Andy. The joke clearly went too far.

This scenario is reminiscent of the plot of Fearless with Jeff Bridges. After surviving an airplane crash, Max Klein no longer experiences fear and believes nothing can harm him. Outwardly, he appears free, but he is actually dealing with profound grief.

Great acting often requires losing oneself in a character, but it’s important to recognize the line between dedication and self-identity. Sometimes, the most difficult thing is to find balance and remember your true self amidst your craft.