Year of Release: 1982
Director: Martin Scorsese
Starring: Robert DeNiro, Jerry Lewis, Diahnne Abbott, Sandra Bernhard, Ed Herlihy, Shelley Hack, Jay Julien, Harry J. Ufland,
Genre: Comedy, Crime
Score out of ten (whole numbers only): 8
Watch it on Hulu
Synopsis and Review
Following the critical success of "Raging Bull", director Martin Scorsese decided to do an inflection of genres, and swerved towards dark comedy. While the film didn't win over audiences at the time of its release (which would also be the case with "After Hours"), it has steadily since then gotten more praise and is now considered one of the best in the director's portfolio. The narrative focuses itself on Rupert Pupkin, a deluded stand-up comedian who has been trying to launch his career without much success. After "meeting" Jerry Langford, the host for a very popular talk show, he believes that he can have his big break on his show. He starts hounding the show mercilessly, asking for a spot on the show, which is constantly denied. When that doesn't work, he alongside a woman he's on a date with, invade Langford's home, only to be expelled by the apoplectic entertainer. Not knowing what else to do, Pupkin partners with Masha, another Langford stalker who has romantic infatuations towards the entertainer, and decide to kidnap the man. The ransom they ask for is for Rupert to be allowed to guest star on the show, while Masha spend some "alone time" with Langford.
"King of Comedy" has taken a more visible stance for modern audiences since Todd Phillips copied many of the themes, aesthetic, and even tone of the film for his version of what eventually became "Joker", released in 2019 to much commercial success (critical was more so and so, while the sequel is best not even to be mentioned). Martin Scorsese as is habitual in his films, manages to imbue a rhythm to the film that makes the narrative feel vividly inhabited, as opposed to feel artificial or without authenticity. He perfectly captures the dynamics of the TV world, but also the culture of celebrity, which in the early 1980s was on its upward trajectory (nothing obviously compared with today's standards). He also illustrates, by lifting the veil behind the dazzle of TV, the edgier sides of its entertainers, individuals themselves with their egos, their frailties, and their less than perfect persona they portray for audiences. He mixes this vibe, with the introduction of a character as obsessive as "Taxi Driver"'s Travis Bickle, this time around with the self-deluded Rupert Pupkin. Pupkin is someone who essentially lives in a construct of reality he has built for himself, which at times parks itself in this world, but that for the most part has very intersections with it. His ambitions of grandeur, and the role Jerry is supposed to play in it, go beyond fantasy, they consume his entire life and drive his constant pursuit. He surrounds himself with people who are as devoid of common sense and a grounded reality as him. It's a perfect illustration for the times we currently live in, and the film features three pitch perfect central performances: Robert DeNiro, Jerry Lewis, and Sandra Bernhard. This trifecta of performers compliment each other wonderfully, and they bring to life these damaged individuals, each with very different challenges, in a way that never feels judgmental or less than authentic. The film could have benefited from a bit more dimension to the lead and some supporting characters, but its economy is also one of its strong qualities. The production team is impeccable, including Fred Schuler's cinematography, Boris Leven's production design, and Richard Bruno's costumes. It's a great film from a tremendously talented filmmaker.
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