The King of Comedy

PG

Released Feb 18, 1983

1 hr. 41 min.

Comedy

Drama

List

89%

72 Reviews

Tomatometer

90%

25,000+ Ratings

Audience Score

Rupert Pupkin (Robert De Niro) is a failure in life but a celebrity in his own mind, hosting an imaginary talk show in his mother's basement. When he meets actual talk show host Jerry Langford (Jerry Lewis), he's convinced it will provide his big break, but Langford isn't interested in the would-be comedian. Undaunted, Pupkin effectively stalks Langford -- and when that doesn't work, he kidnaps him, offering his release in exchange for a guest spot on Langford's show.

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Critics Consensus

Largely misunderstood upon its release, The King of Comedy today looks eerily prescient, and features a fine performance by Robert DeNiro as a strangely sympathetic psychopath.

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Christian K

Enjoyed this a good amount, such a pathetic and painful main character, the secondhand embarrassment just from watching is crazy.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

04/18/24

Full Review

Pedro G

Muy buena película, una cinta incomprendida en su momento de salida. Esta película la considero una de las mas infravaloradas de Martin Scorsese, ya que tiene una historia excelente con un mensaje genial, abordando principalmente una critica a las celebridades y a la cultura mediática; además tiene un humor absurdo y satírico muy bien implementado. No fue muy conocida en su tiempo y recién en los últimos años se le empezó a dar mas fama por la inspiración que tomo "Joker" de esta cinta. Es una película algo lenta al principio, que te puede llegar a ser difícil de conectar con ella, pero que si lo haces te va a gustar mucho, ya que se me hace muy bueno ver los puntos a los que llega el protagonista para ser famoso o compartir tiempo con su modelo a seguir. Las actuaciones son muy destacables, Robert De Niro brinda un papel brillante haciendo de este cómico fracasado y loco; y a su vez, Jerry Lewis, esta muy bien haciendo de este famoso comediante algo egocéntrico y mala onda. En conclusión, una muy buena película que cuenta una historia muy interesante y con un mensaje genial que logra transmitirlo de excelente manera; creo que todos los amantes del cine deberían verla. La recomiendo.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

04/11/24

Full Review

Claude C

One of the Scorseses best

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/28/24

Full Review

J M

Despite exceptional performances by DeNiro and Bernhard, this is minor league Scorsese for me. In fact, although I'm far from a completist, this is probably his least successful film in my opinion. Now sub-par Scorsese is still loaded with wonderful characteristics, but I just didn't feel overall that the film fulfilled the potential of the premise. Pupkin's daydreams take up way too much time and seem to go on for eternity. Bernhard gives an awards-worthy performance, but the character isn't fully developed, and we never quite understand her obsession, even when she stands before him half naked. This is one of my favorite DeNiro performances - it seems more like a fully realized character than a shading of his gangster persona which inhibits so many of his creations. But Rupert gets to be a tiresome character to spend time with - sorta like being stuck in an elevator with a used car salesman for a prolonged period of time. By the end, I was exhausted. It also feels like the filmmakers didn't know what to do with Langford - Lewis is great in the role, but he is not given a resolution. I would probably be more forgiving with a lesser talent behind the camera, but when Scorsese is involved, it's impossible not to have sky-high expectations. - Jeff Marshall, Movie Blogger (Facebook)

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

02/18/24

Full Review

K B

This is a real good interpretation of mental illness…acting is amazing, plot is good, you gotta pay attention. Masterful piece of work

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/09/24

Full Review

Tabitha B

Meh, thought it would be better. Still neat to see Jerry Lewis in a serious role

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

11/11/23

Full Review

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Martin Scorsese

Director

Robert De Niro

Rupert Pupkin

Jerry Lewis

Jerry Langford

Sandra Bernhard

Masha

Diahnne Abbott

Rita Keane

Shelley Hack

Cathy Long

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Michael Sauter

Entertainment Weekly

Like Travis Bickle, Rupert Pupkin becomes a celebrity in spite of -- and because of -- his antisocial behavior. The overnight success of this borderline psycho is as chillingly ironic as the taxi driver’s was cathartic.

Rated: B+

Oct 10, 2023

Full Review

Pauline Kael

New Yorker

A great actor merges his soul with that of his characters -- or, at least, gives us the illusion that he does. De Niro in disguise denies his characters a soul.

Sep 19, 2023

Full Review

Bob Thomas

Associated Press

Scorsese is capable of building tension, but what is he trying to achieve? A comedy about the nature of fame? But he evokes only the most nervous of laughter.

Oct 17, 2018

Full Review

KT Mahe

For Your Reference Podcast

Scorsese and De Niro offer a mirror reflective of celebrity and thirst for fame through the charming delusion in King of Comedy.

Rated: 5/5

Feb 6, 2024

Full Review

Oti

For Your Reference Podcast

King of Comedy shines with its unparalleled storytelling. Timeless and captivating, it's a testament to cinema that remains thoroughly enjoyable.

Rated: 4.5/5

Feb 6, 2024

Full Review

Danielle Solzman

Solzy at the Movies

While there are positive things to say about the technical aspects of the film, The King of Comedy isn't a comedy but a dark satire that deals with the dangers of a celebrity-obsessed culture.

Rated: 3.5/5

Feb 19, 2023

Full Review

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Synopsis

Rupert Pupkin (Robert De Niro) is a failure in life but a celebrity in his own mind, hosting an imaginary talk show in his mother's basement. When he meets actual talk show host Jerry Langford (Jerry Lewis), he's convinced it will provide his big break, but Langford isn't interested in the would-be comedian. Undaunted, Pupkin effectively stalks Langford -- and when that doesn't work, he kidnaps him, offering his release in exchange for a guest spot on Langford's show.

Director: Martin Scorsese
Screenwriter: Paul Zimmerman
Distributor: 20th Century Fox
Production Co: Embassy International Pictures
Rating: PG
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Feb 18, 1983, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Dec 8, 2015
Sound Mix: Mono
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.85:1)

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