The King of Comedy

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Smith D @RT30928287 Jul 13 There really is no weak moment in this film. Jerry Lewis seamlessly plays a combination of himself, Johnny Carson, and Virgil Sollozo from the Godfather rolled into one. Sandra Bernhardt is the perfect blend of repulsively frightening and hilarious. Rupert Pupkin’s monologue is a complex, nuanced sequence of acting by Deniro. The story unfolds meta within meta to the point where the final sequence of Pumpkin’s own show feels almost like he has finally succumbed to the demented dream state of his own delusions of grandeur. These ideas of the madness of fan worship are of course commonly accepted and understood nowadays, but at the time of the films release Carson was still king, and it played too close to home. Only recently has it been rightfully regarded as a masterpiece 30 years ahead of its time. Taxi Driver is prettier to look at, but King Of Comedy is my favorite Scorsese because it just works better. See more Steve T @RT48806711 Jun 26 The film saw the trappings of fame three decades before the internet and reality TV sucked people in. DeNiro delivers an incredibly unique performance for his style at the time, and Lewis is barely recognizable from his comedy days. Together they make the film so compelling, so real, it's almost tough to watch. I was a kid when it came out in 1983, but I saw then what Scorsese was going for - a human flaw that can take over any of us: the lust for something more. In the end, this is actually just about a guy who wants to impress a girl... he just does it in a really messed up way. See more Vincent S @RT47579145 Jun 23 This is a dark comedy masterpiece and it’s even stronger and more relevant today. Robert DeNiro gives one of his most different and best performances making us squirm very effectively. Jerry Lewis is brilliant and Sandra Bernhard is an electric high wire of fun, she rocks! The subject matter is disturbing but seeing it just recently I laughed a lot, more than I remembered when I saw it as a kid. See more Alain E @AlainE Jun 21 The beginning and middle are especially strong. DeNiro impersonates the character of the sleazy loser with great success. In a way Rupert Pupkin is more embarrassing than other criminal types he has played elsewhere. Around the middle the intensity drops but still the movie remains worth seeing. Some very good photography in the basement where Rupert operates his imaginary show. On Prime. See more Matthew G @RT86236525 Feb 6 Rewatched at Cinematheque tonight. Felt like watching a different movie when watching with a crowd. Thoroughly enjoyed it. See more Michael J. @MilesJoesph069 Jan 23 Real Shocker, when Martin Scorsese directs, and Robert De Niro is the lead , then the movie ends up being great. See more Read all reviews

The King of Comedy

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