The King of Comedy (1982) Review

The King of Comedy is directed by Martin Scorsese, and is about a young stand-up comedian wanting to enter the game by trying to star on Jerry Langford’s show. It stars Robert De Niro as Rupert Pupkin (the young stand-up comedian) and Jerry Lewis as Jerry Langdord.

Robert De Niro is excellent in the film, this is a true testament to his ability. He plays the character so well that I believed that he could be a stand-up comedian, not De Niro playing a character. He never looked like he was trying, he always looked effortless playing this role. Because of that he gets your attention, especially mine straight away, never giving me the opportunity to make me stop staring. It shows that Robert De Niro and Martin Scorsese were a perfect match and can complement each other so well. He was also very funny in the film when he had to. There are other actors and actresses that also grab the eye, notably Jerry Lewis, who gave a solid performance as a talk show host that does not want interactions with his fans. Sandra Bernhard, an actress I don’t really know did a good performance, she played a convincing women who stalks and obsesses herself with Jerry Langford. But there is no doubt that Robert De Niro was the star man, it was truly a stellar performance.

I liked the concept of the film with Robert De Niro’s character not giving up, even when the odds were against him, he does some crazy things to get what he wants but when he does, he never lets it go and makes it count. I found the way Martin Scorsese represents showbiz as true with some stars that will say anything to get the fans but then not repay them back (but not true to all of course). Or that the business will take on anyone with a bit of fame, shown by the actions Rupert Pupkins commits but still getting a reward.

I did have an issue, the film felt a bit repetitive, with Rupert Pupkins always trying to get the attention of Jerry Langord. Of course the film does not hold over other Scorsese films which a far better but it is a great gem to watch.

Overall The King of Comedy is great, funny, and sometimes repetitive, that has a good story, with fantastic acting by Robert De Niro. It is a shame that it is a forgotten Scorsese classic and The King of Comedy shall get 8/10