Rating: 
Summary: Film makers - watch and learn
Review: This film has to be one of Bob's finest performances, one starts asking the question how does he do it? The energy and sincerity that goes into this film is unbelievable, if only the rest of filmmakers put as much energy and time into their art as these guys do. If you can imagine what this film looks like on paper then you realise the sheer quality and talent that is behind it. Most of the film is based on DeNiro either talking to himself, or sat in a reception trying to convince an office receptionist to see a talk show presenter. But what gets captured is absolutely comedy and genius. My god this is film making from heaven.
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Summary: bleak. and funny.
Review: this film is (rather unfairly) underrated. i don't know why. a lot of people will say it's a "taxi driver" retread, some will say that it's way too bleak, some will say it's far too laden about with industry potshots that only industry workers will get. the truth is, however, this is a very funny movie. first off, the humor here is either very dark or very unsettiling. here is rupert pupkin, an obsessive comic stalking his idol, jerry langford. rupert speaks to a cardboard cutout of jerry, goes to his office each and every day (except for the days where he gets kicked out), and even fantasises about him. often his fantasies are interlaced with the film's reality and we see just how obsessive he is. not only this, but his life outside of stalking jerry is similarly inept. he is also obsessed with a bartender. she loathes him, but still he persists. luckily, she is forgiving, and the two set out for a weekend at jerry's home. they are quickly kicked out, leaving both jerry and his almost-girlfriend detesting him. feeling rejected, he finds solace in a psychopathic, similarly obsessed woman who waits outside of jerry's office building for him to walk by. at this point, the film seems kind of depressing, but along the way there are droplets of black comedy and extremely strange comedy. it is not a movie for all tastes. some will find it far too dark, others will find it predictable, and others may not even understand the film period. the truth is, the film is able to find humor in this darkness, and very funny humor it is. witness the routine at the end that we have been awaiting rupert to put on. witness rupert's obsessive, 'round the clock telephoning of jerry's office. it's mean spirited, yes, but still just plain hilarious. at the same time, though, the film is a very interesting character study. the film's primary subject is rupert. we learn his techniques, his relationships, and we ponder his obsessive nature. deniro is also riveting in his performance as pupkin, dropping the tough-guy image for the untalented loner image. he's hopeful and confident, hilariousy bad at what he does, and refuses to take "no" for an answer. overall: a good, if dark, comedy.
Rating: 
Summary: De Niro IS Rupert Pupkin
Review: Just how far will a person go in the single-minded, obsessive pursuit of fame, and are there limits or boundaries involved that are inviolable? Exactly where does one draw the line, and upon what must fame be based to be given validation? Is it a matter of extraordinary talent, or is sensationalism alone part of the criteria? Director Martin Scorsese addresses the matter and makes some observations and speculations about the cause and effect of fame in "The King of Comedy," starring Robert De Niro as aspiring stand-up comedian Rupert Pupkin. Obsessed with fame and the famous, Rupert's greatest treasure is a book of autographs he has collected, one page of which bears his own signature, possibly in anticipation of a future as reflected in his own mind's eye. His immediate goal is to be a guest on the late night talk show hosted by Jerry Langford (Jerry Lewis), which he believes will catapult him to the pinnacle of notoriety. The sad fact of the matter is that Rupert just isn't that clever, and he is decidedly not funny, despite hours spent in his room at home rehearsing his monologue. His evenings are spent queuing up outside of Langford's theater with other fans and wannabes (many, sadly, like himself), waiting for Jerry to emerge. Things suddenly take a turn for Rupert when one night, with an exceptionally aggressive crowd on hand, Jerry is mobbed while attempting to get to his car and Rupert comes to his rescue, getting Jerry safely into the car, along with himself. And it's the beginning of a relationship that will prove to have a dramatic effect of the lives of both men. Scorsese's film is something of a response to the criticism he received for his violent and somewhat controversial film, "Taxi Driver," over the outcome of his antihero, Travis Bickle (played by De Niro). This film is a character study, not only of the individuals involved, but of a society-- in this case a character in itself-- that allows fame for fame's sake, and perpetuates the problem through the irresolution of the masses. On one hand, it's as if Scorsese is saying "What are you thinking?" while on the other, he's taking a step back, holding up a mirror and saying, "Go ahead, take a good look at yourselves!" For it is no mere accident that drives Rupert to the extreme measures he ultimately employs to effect his goal. As always, De Niro gives a performance that is impeccable. In De Niro's skin, Rupert Pupkin comes alive, and every bit of his single-minded, simplistic nature is believable. He's the guy who can't quite get a handle on things, but hasn't the mental wherewithal to realize it. Nevertheless, he is harmless until provoked, whether it be in reality or in his own mind; a man of simple tastes but grandiose dreams that have a way of intersecting with his own version of reality. And De Niro conveys is all and more with an uncanny grasp of the character, the likes of which few actors could manage with such depth and perception. Also turning in an exemplary performance is Jerry Lewis, who so succinctly captures the whole "Steve Allen/Johnny Carson" persona, as well as that sense of what late night television is all about. And though he received little notice for it at the time (or since, for that matter), this is possibly the best work he's ever done. The supporting cast includes the lovely Diahnne Abbott (Rita), Sandra Bernhard (Marsha), Ed Herlihy (Himself), Lou Brown (Band Leader), Catherine Scorsese (Rupert's Mom), Liza Minelli (Herself), Shelley Hack (Cathy) and Margo Winkler (Receptionist). A somewhat caustic wake-up call, "The King of Comedy," with it's blend of humor and profound observations of human nature, packs a wallop without shedding any blood, as it were. It's an entertaining, challenging film that works on a number of emotional levels, and is something of a minor classic in it's own right. And-- thanks to De Niro-- Rupert Pupkin is a guy you're not likely to forget anytime soon. Another noteworthy milestone in the Scorsese/De Niro canon.
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Summary: Lewis, Bernhard, and De Niro Classic is No Comedy!
Review: I was delighted to discover this ironic and disturbing movie, directed with a sure hand by Scorsese and acted to the hilt by Robert De Niro. Sometimes movies walk a fine line between repelling an audience and fascinating it. This movie flopped at the box office precisely because of the irritating behavior of it's protagonist, yet the plot and performances are garnering increasing appreciation over the years. I was held in fascinated suspense, even though Rupert Pupkin has all the traits of an obsessed borderline personality, because the story develops with originality and an odd humor. I found myself first repelled by Rupert because his "profile" could be that of a budding serial killer -- but on the other hand he is relatively benign and his increasingly outrageous attempts to impose himself upon talk show host Jerry Langford become funny, because he deserves to fail, and he does fail most of the time. Pupkin gets rejected, snubbed, ignored, barely tolerated, and unceremoniously ejected by most everyone at the television network where Jerry works. They've all got his number. We've all known people who doggedly pursue others to the point at which their behavior gets them branded a "nut." This is certainly Jerry Langford's opinion of Pupkin, particularly when Pupkin makes himself at home with his unsuspecting date at Jerry's place in a posh desert resort. We come to respect the Langford character, and Jerry Lewis' fine performance, more and more every time Jerry tells Pupkin off. Jerry Lewis is so good one begins to wonder how much is drawn from his own personality, but I think it's a testament to his rightness for the role. Sandra Bernhard is also mesmerizing as Rupert's nearest sympathizer and Jerry-groupie in her own right. The plot culminates with DeNiro and Bernhard kidnapping Lewis in a sequence that evoked the loudest amazed laughter from me. Sandra is is fascinating, animated and wild-eyed, but without going over the top. She, like the other principals, maintains a strong degree of realism in the performance. Sandra winds up cluelessly attempting to seduce her hostage in sexy underwear while he's tied to a chair, in one of the movie's most entertaining scenes. I think this movie works because it is such an unblinking look at people we don't often see in movies, the mildly delusional people who walk the streets and annoy and embarrass us, but never seem to get arrested until they do something really outrageous. DeNiro and Bernhard are loony-toons and the plot lets them be thwarted and rebuffed and scorned, which is funny while being comforting to us. We become alternately angry and embarrassed for the two groupies as we watch their clueless harrassment of people who intensely dislike them. Yet on another level, if we've ever been rejected by a pompous employer, we might sympathize a little with Pupkin's feelings even as we disapprove his methods. The ending of the movie (I believe there was more than one written and shot) is Scorsese's wit showing through. Some folks find the ending off-putting but I take it as an ironic punchline, to be enjoyed precisely because it is so provocative. And the ending makes a good point -- that undeserving nuts sometimes do luck into celebrity, that jerks sometimes do reach the top, and that an American audience at times bestows fame on people who, if they knew them personally, would make their skin crawl. This in itself is a humorous irony and an excellent point. KING OF COMEDY is tough to explain, but it is fine work by a great director and cast. My guess is that people either love this movie or hate it -- there isn't much room in the middle. This may not make my top ten, but it is definitely on my list of favorites. It will be in my collection when released on DVD.
Rating:
Summary: A terrific black comedy
Review: This is one of Scorsese's least known films, and I can't figure out why. I recently saw this again, and the thing that stands out are the great performances by the three principals - Deniro, Lewis, and Bernhard. Sandra Bernhard is especially good - funny, and frightening at the same time as a smooth but unstable "fan". The scene where she says (something to the effect) "I'm feeling so impulsive tonight, anything can happen ANYTHING..." is SO fun to watch. Also the fantasy sequence where Lewis is telling DeNiro that he has what it takes to make it in show biz is hilarious. This is a great film about celebrity obsession, ambition and hyped up media personalities and it deserves more recognition.
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Summary: You'll see...
Review: Here is a great flick, simply stated. I laughed real hard and almost cringed at the embarrasing ways of the main character. Great performances all the way around, Sarah Burnhartd was a slick bonus. Clever writing.
Rating:
Summary: Highly Watchable and Largely Overlooked
Review: In the early 1980s the nation was still disillusioned by the murder of John Lennon and appalled at the actions of John Hinkley (whose admitted "Taxi Driver" and Jodi Foster obsessions led him to make an assassination attempt on Ronald Reagan.) Martin Scorcese, perhaps in response to these events and in reply to attacks by many critics on "violence in film", created a highly watchable and largely overlooked film about fantasy, fan worship, obsession and neuroses. Rarely has a film been this fascinating to watch (even on repeated viewings) while at the same time making the viewer so completely uncomfortable in the process. As Rupert Pupkin (Robert DeNiro) continues to confront talk-show host Jerry Langford (played masterfully by Jerry Lewis), one is completely at a loss to know exactly how far this obsessed fan is going to go. Though fans of DeNiro probably can guess that he's going to go all the way! Seldom-seen Sandra Bernhardt is a knockout as Rupert Pupkin's deeply neurotic sidekick. "The King of Comedy" is a portrait of isolation and delusion, which oddly enough has the ability to make the viewer laugh (albeit uncomfortably) while exploring deeply disturbing issues.
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Summary: My Favorite Scorsese and one of my all time favs
Review: What can I really say about this film? De Niro turns in an incredible performance-Jerry Lewis is great....It floored me from the first time I saw it. I have loved it since and will forever love it. The Rupert Pupkin character is so beautifully undaunted by anything(ultimately he's totally nuts). He's rude and thick headed at times, but so darned endearing and so remarkably unique. The film is not a straight comedy-it's pretty dark all the way through and I think that throws some people off. I treasure every minute of this film from the opening freeze frame of Sandra Bernhard(while Ray Charles sings). It is one I always name as one of my favorites. It's hard for me to be to objective about it except to say that it is a gem, a true gem and it's waiting for you to discover it and watch it again and again. Truly fascinating.
Rating:
Summary: What are you going to wear for Top Of The Pops?
Review: Under-rated cult-classic Scorsese/De Niro movie. One of their best. Captures,perfectly,all the weird obsessions & bizarre idealisms people often have about celebrities & fame. To watch De Niro as Rupert Pupkin is not only hilarious but mesmerising; unbelievable how he can mold into these off-beat characters. De Niro refused to associate with Jerry Lewis behind the scenes,telling Jerry something along the lines of it "breaking the barrier" &/or "upsetting the chemistry". What a shame this excellent film hasn't arrived on DVD yet,it should come with some "Extra Features" or something,that would be splendid.
Rating:
Summary: Thought-provoking masterpiece.
Review: For me, the performances of Robert De Niro and Jerry Lewis in this film stand alone in their careers. To a certain extent both are "character actors" and here they go completely outside that cliched description. Their acting is phenomenal. I firmly believe that Jerry Lewis deserved at least an Oscar nomination - he actually dominates every scene he's involved in. His encounter with the "stalker" Pupkin and friend at his home is totally believable, directed in the best documentary-style. The movie says something about how worship of another can be basically narcicisstic - I'm still mulling it over 18 years later. "Come Rain Or Come Shine" by Ray Charles is the perfect opening theme. (Although the same song by James Brown should have been used over the closing credits - nothin' personal, Van).
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