The King of Comedy

Synopsis

The King of Comedy, directed by Martin Scorsese, is a darkly comic exploration of the lengths to which a desperate aspiring comedian will go to achieve fame. Robert De Niro delivers a captivating performance as Rupert Pupkin, a wannabe stand-up comedian whose obsession with fame leads him down a twisted path. Living in the shadow of television legend Jerry Lewis, who plays a talk show host named Jerry Langford, Pupkin dreams of making it big. When his attempts at gaining exposure through conventional means fail, he turns to a more extreme approach by kidnapping Langford in a bid to secure his own spot in the limelight. The film weaves a narrative that critiques celebrity culture and the concept of fame, revealing the disturbing reality of the obsession that often accompanies it. De Niro's portrayal of Rupert is both humorous and tragic, creating a character that audiences can’t help but be fascinated by. The film's satirical tone, combined with Scorsese’s adept direction, makes it a unique entry in both De Niro’s filmography and the era of comedy films.

Cast

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  Robert De Niro

  Rupert Pupkin

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  Jerry Lewis

  Jerry Langford

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  Diahnne Abbott

  Rita

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  Sandra Bernhard

  Masha

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  Shelley Hack

  Cathy Long

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  Frederick de Cordova

  Bert Thomas

Reviews

The King of Comedy has garnered a range of critical acclaim since its release in 1982, cementing its reputation as a cult classic. It currently holds a commendable 89% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, indicating widespread approval, with the critics' consensus noting, "De Niro's performance is outstanding, and Scorsese directs with an unflinching eye toward the price of fame." On IMDb, the film holds a score of 7.8/10, reflecting a solid appreciation among viewers. Metacritic gives it a score of 73/100, suggesting generally favorable reviews. Many critics have praised De Niro’s portrayal of Rupert Pupkin as one of his finest, stating that “he captures the essence of a man lost in a dream of fame.” Additionally, Roger Ebert hailed it as “a brilliant satire on the culture of celebrity,” noting how the film cleverly parodies societal obsession with stardom. However, some critics at the time found its pacing deliberate and the humor a bit too dark for mainstream audiences. Nonetheless, the film's ability to provoke thought about the nature of fame continues to resonate, making it an enduring piece of cinema history.