Review of The King of Comedy (1982) by Kenny K — 20 Sep 2010
As someone who has spent more than his fair share of time presenting his product to the marketplace, this movie was almost impossible for me to sit through, with a "squirm factor" of 10. Perhaps DeNiro's finest performance, he so completely inhabits the personna of Rupert Pupkin, a wannabe comedian so un-self-aware that he literally cannot be stopped from eventually forcing the public eye to turn his way. All the other renditions of this fine actor's career pale in comparison; not a trace of Travis Bickle or Don Corleone can be found here. Astonishing.
And Jerry Lewis, as the Johnny Carson-like TV talk show host that DeNiro takes hostage, ain't so bad, neither.
If this movie doesn't make you very uncomfortable at Pupkin's total misunderstanding of human relationships, then YOU might be a Rupert Pupkin, in which case, my condolences.
This review of The King of Comedy (1982) was written by Kenny K on 20 Sep 2010.
The King of Comedy has generally received very positive reviews.
Was this review helpful?
