The King of Comedy
1982 · Movie · PG · 109 min · ★ 7.8 · 81% critics
An aspiring comedian becomes fixated on a famous late-night host, convinced that persistence will earn him a shot at stardom. As rejection mounts, his pursuit crosses boundaries, blending awkward humor with unsettling desperation and a sharp look at celebrity obsession.
Also known as Rupert Pupkin
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Details
- Years
- 1982
- Release date
- 1982-12-18
- Language
- English
- Rated
- PG
- Runtime
- 109 min
- Critic score
- 81/100
- TMDB rating
- 7.8/10 (2,579 votes)
- Budget
- $19,000,000
About
If you enjoy uneasy, dark comedy about fame and obsession with a cringe-heavy edge, this may click, especially if you like Being There; Not for you if you want warm, easy laughs or sympathetic leads.
Pros: darkly funny satire; gripping lead performance; timely fame critique | Cons: very uncomfortable moments; repetitive early stretch; few likable characters
Themes
- prison
- new york city
- blackmail
- show business
- entertainer
- fbi
- studio
- receptionist
- zealous
- cautionary
- hilarious
- audacious
- +1 more
Awards & recognition
- BAFTA Award — Best Original Screenplay · 1984
- London Film Critics Circle Award — Film of the Year · 1983
- National Society of Film Critics Award — Best Supporting Actress · 1983
- BAFTA Award — Best Actor in a Leading Role · 1984 · nominated
- BAFTA Award — Best Direction · 1984 · nominated
Show all 10 awards →
- BAFTA Award — Best Editing · 1984 · nominated
- BAFTA Award — Best Actor in a Supporting Role · 1984 · nominated
- BAFTA Award — Best Original Screenplay · 1984 · nominated
- NAACP Image Award — Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture · 1983 · nominated
- National Society of Film Critics Award — Best Supporting Actress · 1983 · nominated
Cast & crew
Robert De Niro
as Rupert Pupkin
Jerry Lewis
as Jerry Langford
Diahnne Abbott
as Rita
Sandra Bernhard
as Masha
Shelley Hack
as Cathy Long
Frederick de Cordova
as Bert Thomas
Ed Herlihy
as Ed Herlihy
- LB
Lou Brown
as Band Leader
- LT
Loretta Tupper
as Stage Door Fan
- PP
Peter Potulski
as Stage Door Fan
Directed by Martin Scorsese