El rey de la comedia

The time when Scorsese took another turn by making a disturbing dark comedy. This film turns the spotlight towards the show business industry by exploring the subjects of fame and celebrity and their influence over individuals and society as a whole. With a nice tone, excellent cinematography, good setting and a thrilling plotline, Scorsese crafted the perfect image of a delusional and obsessive sociopath portrayed by none other than Robert De Niro. I have to say that "The King of Comedy" along side "After Hours" are the most overlooked pictures in Martin Scorsese's catalogue.

From Jerry Lewis's subtle, deeply personal performance, to Robert DeNiro's amazing interpretation of a neurotic nerbish whose fantasy world collides with reality on late night talk TV, "The King of Comedy" is a true original that guts the glamour from showbiz and finds it cold and empty inside. Then there's the media, always ready to create another celebrity, even if he's an autograph hound and hack comic turned kidnapper who believes he's earned a shot in the spotlight. Cynical and melancholy, at times hilarious, it bombed when first released, but has been surprising video treasure hunters ever since.

Rupert Pupkin (Robert De Niro) is, in his own mind, the greatest undiscovered comic of his generation. He knows that he's destined for stand-up superstardom. All he really needs is a chance to display his vast talent on TV.

Enter mega- talk show host, Jerry Langford (Jerry Lewis), who will see Pupkin's mastery of comedy one way or another. Whether he likes it or not. Even if extreme measures must be taken.

How could Rupert's plan possibly fail?

THE KING OF COMEDY is Director Martin Scorsese's wonderfully dark jab at the insanity of celebrity culture. Watching it unfold is both frightening and hysterically funny. De Niro's Pupkin is perfectly pitiful, as is Masha (Sandra Bernhard), his equally unbalanced cohort.

Mr. Lewis is remarkably restrained in his noteworthy role. He comes across as pissed, flabbergasted, and terrified by turns. If you only know him as a cinematic buffoon, then you need to see him here.

This movie is a crackpot masterpiece...

Martin Scorsese and Robert De Niro seem to have taken a different road to arrive to very familiar places. Forttunately we're all in for the ride. This is a bitter, dark comedy in the tradition of Pietro Germi and Mario Monicelli. In Scorsese's hands it becomes something we've never seen before. De Niro travels unknown territory with the panache of a seasoned explorer. His Rupert Pupkin is a sub Jay Leno without an agent. His hunger is as shallow as his talent. The arrival to Jerry Lewis's house without an invitation trying to impress his girl is one of the most painful studies in modern humiliation ever put on film. I found myself laughing in horror. "The King of Comedy" is ripe for a revival. Some people consider it a "minor" Scorsese. I disagree. I think it's one of Scorsese and De Niro's best.

I have yet to meet anyone who doesn't like this movie. It is hugely funny in places yet has a dark menacing strand running through it. Jerry Lewis and his TV-show world are totally believeable and De Niro as Pupkin plays the part like an exercise in total embarrassment.Also, much as you realise Pupkin is derranged,you can't help being on his side. One of the highlights is Pupkin's monologue. This is really well written and will remind most people of every bad comedian they have ever heard.The jokes are terrible but Pupkin's delivery seems just able to carry it off. When this movie was made the studio sat on it for two years before it was released.They probably did not know how to sell a movie like this.Sure it is an intelligent piece of work etc. but it is a most unusual film ,really quite unique.In the UK,it was barely released in cinemas and for years it was not even available on tape.Strange, because it really is a most excellent movie.