The King of Comedy

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The King of Comedy

PG

1983

1h 41m

Comedy

Drama

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Popcornmeter

89%

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73 Reviews

90%

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25,000+ Ratings

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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Michael Sauter

Entertainment Weekly

10/10/2023

B+

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.

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Pauline Kael

The New Yorker

09/19/2023

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.

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Bob Thomas

Associated Press

10/17/2018

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.

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Andrew Collins

Radio Times

08/08/2024

5/5

Jerry Lewis is magnificent as the chilly old pro and chat-show king Jerry Langford, and Scorsese gives us another New York, the cruel but bewitching network TV capital of America.

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KT Mahe

For Your Reference Podcast

02/06/2024

5/5

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

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Oti

For Your Reference Podcast

02/06/2024

4.5/5

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

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Steve T

@RT48806711 5d

The film saw the trappings of fame three decades before the internet and reality TV sucked people in. DeNiro delivers an incredibly unique performance for his style at the time, and Lewis is barely recognizable from his comedy days. Together they make the film so compelling, so real, it's almost tough to watch. I was a kid when it came out in 1983, but I saw then what Scorsese was going for - a human flaw that can take over any of us: the lust for something more. In the end, this is actually just about a guy who wants to impress a girl... he just does it in a really messed up way.

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Vincent S

@RT47579145 Jun 23

This is a dark comedy masterpiece and it’s even stronger and more relevant today. Robert DeNiro gives one of his most different and best performances making us squirm very effectively. Jerry Lewis is brilliant and Sandra Bernhard is an electric high wire of fun, she rocks! The subject matter is disturbing but seeing it just recently I laughed a lot, more than I remembered when I saw it as a kid.

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Alain E

@AlainE Jun 21

The beginning and middle are especially strong. DeNiro impersonates the character of the sleazy loser with great success. In a way Rupert Pupkin is more embarrassing than other criminal types he has played elsewhere. Around the middle the intensity drops but still the movie remains worth seeing. Some very good photography in the basement where Rupert operates his imaginary show. On Prime.

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Matthew G

@RT86236525 Feb 6

Rewatched at Cinematheque tonight. Felt like watching a different movie when watching with a crowd. Thoroughly enjoyed it.

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Michael J.

@MilesJoesph069 Jan 23

Real Shocker, when Martin Scorsese directs, and Robert De Niro is the lead , then the movie ends up being great.

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rex w

@RT11010153 Jan 2

The movie grows on you, especially the second time around.

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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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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
Producer: Arnon Milchan
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
Runtime: 1h 41m
Sound Mix: Mono
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.85:1)