Review of The King of Comedy (1982) by Robin H — 24 Jul 2009

An enthralling, chilling, deep look into a psychopathic man's mind. This visually stark and emotionally cold look into the celebrity world is one of Martin Scorsese's best films, yet underrated.

In my opinion, the reason it's so good is because uncomfortable to watch. It reminds me a lot of There Will Be Blood; another great film. I believe this is the first Scorsese movie I've seen, so I have a different perspective than most people.

Most of his films are highly stylized; lot's of camera movement and cutting, and so forth. The King of Comedy, however, is completely different (think 2001: A Space Odyssey). I really think that when you watch the movie closely, they way you would look at a cubist painting or something, you begin to uncover the complicated and subtle layers of this movie.

But what I think really makes this movie is the aspect of surrealism. One good example is the chase scene: Marsha chasing Jerry Lewis through the city. It begins with Lewis simply walking down the street, when he discovers Marsha following him.

They end up running through the crowds until Lewis makes it into his building. I find this to be surreal because of how silent and spontaneous it was. This same kind of thing happens throughout the film.

There is an unreal, fantastic theme to this movie, which ties in perfectly with Rupert Pupkin's delusional fantasies. I suppose I've been rambling. My brother puts it short and sweet: This is one of those "mind-f**k" movies.

I think it is one of the greatest films ever made.