Review of The King of Comedy (1982) by Justin B — 24 Oct 2008

Extremely dark comedy is really a drama about obsession with fame, and the frightening tenacity of a narrow-minded person. DeNiro is fabulous as Rupert Pupkin, an aspiring stand-up comic who tries to get into the good graces of Jerry Langford (Lewis, playing a version of himself), a respected television comedian with his own show.

Except he goes too far, ultimately kidnapping Langford for ransom to appear on the show and get his "shot at the big time". A movie that's both easy to admire and hard to like; the craftsmanship of Scorsese and Company, while not so in-your-face, is apparent--but emotionally it's a little hard to sympathize with; although believable, almost TOO dark.

Still, a very well-made, interesting piece.