Review of The King of Comedy (1982) by Archibald T — 22 Mar 2011

Jerry Langford has his own show. He's always being asked for autographs and people either love him or hate his guts. One night after one his shows, a mob of fans wait for him. As he's trying to get into his car, a man named Rupert Pupkin helps Jerry by pushing back some of the mob of people so Jerry can get into his car. What a nice guy until Rupert gets into the car with him.

Rupert chats away with Jerry in the backseat. It's Rupert doing all the talking. What Rupert wants is Jerry to let him be on his show. Rupert says he's a comedian and wants to present his act on Jerry's show. Jerry tells Rupert to call his office to set something up, but he's only telling Rupert that to get rid of him.

Rupert is a very delusional individual. He talks to himself while pretending to fantasize that he's chatting with Jerry. He lives with his mother, but we never really see what she looks like and even she asks him "Who are you talking to?".

Rupert is not only delusional, but obsessive. So is Masha, an equally obsessed fan of Jerry Langford. They don't get along well. Rupert tries to get in contact with Jerry, but gets turned down every chance he gets to meet him again. We begin to see more into Rupert's lonely life. He's creepy and reminds me of Sy Parrish from One Hour Photo except funnier and not so serious.

Rita works as a bartender and Rupert was in love with her in high school. Now he gets the courage to ask her out. Something he never could in school. She isn't as aware, I think, of Rupert's obsessive behavior. When he asks her if she wants to meet Jerry she gets excited about it. She believes that he knows Jerry, blinded by fantasy of being popular again like she was in school.

It all leads Rupert, when he can't get his way, to kidnap Jerry. What Rupert wants in return is to be on the show so he can do his act. Masha and Rupert team up to abduct him and they do succeed. When the word gets out that Jerry has been kidnapped, Jerry pleads with Rupert to let him go and also that he promises to not press any charges. This very scene is a crucial one because Jerry is asking Rupert to not go any further. He can stop, but Rupert doesn't want too.

Rupert leaves Jerry with Masha who is such a mental case. Sandra Bernhard does a very good job at playing a psycho bitch.

Rupert gets his chance to act and his act is actually very funny. This film reminded me a lot of 'Network' and 'Observe & Report'. The script is excellent and the direction from Scorsese isn't as flashy from his other work which is good because this is type of tale doesn't need any of that stuff. Overall, a beautifully deranged dark comedy with great performances and a great script!