The King of Comedy (1983)
When people think DeNiro and Scorsese, it’s generally mob hits or boxing rings. But 1983’s “The King of Comedy” is an often-overlooked exploration of television fame that shows just how funny, dark and thought-provoking the actor-director pair can be in any genre.
Listener Charlie in L.A., who brought us “Boogie Nights,” is back with another stellar commission that led to some interesting topics, including when it’s OK to ask for an autograph, who the new acting royalty is in Hollywood, whether Sandra Bernhard helped or hurt the movie and when being agreeable becomes creepy.
If you’ve never thought much of Jerry Lewis, wondered where Todd Phillips got his inspiration for “Joker” or wanted to hear Gene gush over early ’80s fashion, this is the episode for you.
Rupert Pupkin (Robert De Niro) is a failure in life but a celebrity in his own mind, hosting an imaginary talk show in his mother’s basement. When he meets actual talk show host Jerry Langford (Jerry Lewis), he’s convinced it will provide his big break, but Langford isn’t interested in the would-be comedian. Undaunted, Pupkin effectively stalks Langford — and when that doesn’t work, he kidnaps him, offering his release in exchange for a guest spot on Langford’s show.
Plot Summary:
In the 1983 psychological satire The King of Comedy, directed by Martin Scorsese, Robert De Niro delivers a chilling and darkly comedic performance as Rupert Pupkin, a delusional aspiring comedian who dreams of fame. Obsessed with late-night talk show host Jerry Langford (Jerry Lewis), Rupert believes he is destined for stardom, despite having no real comedic experience or connections.
Rupert’s obsession escalates as he relentlessly pursues Jerry, attempting to secure a guest spot on his show. When his polite efforts fail, Rupert, along with his equally unstable accomplice Masha (Sandra Bernhard), takes a drastic step—kidnapping Jerry in a desperate bid for the spotlight. With Jerry held hostage, Rupert demands that he be given a televised stand-up performance, believing this will finally cement his place among comedy’s elite.
As the tension builds, The King of Comedy brilliantly blurs the line between ambition and delusion, satire and suspense. De Niro’s portrayal of Rupert is both unsettling and tragic, as he embodies a man so consumed by the idea of fame that he loses all sense of reality. Jerry Lewis, in a rare dramatic role, brings depth to the cynical and weary talk show host, serving as a stark contrast to Rupert’s manic energy.
The film’s commentary on celebrity culture, media obsession, and the pursuit of fame remains eerily relevant today, making The King of Comedy a film that feels ahead of its time. Join our podcast review as we dissect this underrated Scorsese classic, exploring its dark humor, standout performances, and whether its satirical bite still holds up in the modern era of fame-hungry culture.
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