A dark comedy from Martin Scorsese exploring the notion of celebrity and fame as wannabe stand-up comedian Rupert Pupkin is prepared to go to extreme lengths to achieve recognition.
In a world of stage door groupies and obsessive adoration, talk show host Jerry Langford (Jerry Lewis) finds himself at the centre of too much unwanted attention. When Rupert Pupkin (Robert De Niro) finally meets his idol, he sees an opportunity to reach his dream of stardom. Pooling together with the almost uncontrollable Masha (Sandra Bernhard), the talentless Pupkin has his carpe diem moment, bulldozing all those who stand in his way.
Deep, dark satire built around extraordinary performances by the magisterally impassive Lewis and nervous oddball tension of De Niro, The King of Comedy is no easy watch with its prevailing undercurrent of menace. Not loved on release, Scorsese’s film has built in stature over time, sittng on the edge as it does between manic comedy and terrifying reality.
Rating: 72%
Director: Martin Scorsese (After Hours, The Age of Innocence)
Writer: Paul D. Zimmerman (Lovers & Liars, Consuming Passions)
Main cast: Robert De Niro (The Godfather II, Silver Linings Playbook), Jerry Lewis (The Nutty Professor, The Family Jewels), Sandra Bernhard (Hudson Hawk, TV’s Roseanne)
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