The King of Comedy (1982)
The King of Comedy (1982) is an American satirical black comedy film directed by Martin Scorsese. It follows the story of Rupert Pupkin, a delusional aspiring stand-up comedian. His belief that he is on the cusp of fame and success comes after he meets successful comedian and talk-show host Jerry Langford. Despite repeated rejection from Langford and his staff, particularly Cathy Long, Rupert persists in attempting to secure a spot on the show. Along the way, he indulges in elaborate fantasies involving himself and Langford as close colleagues. In an attempt to impress, Rupert brings a date named Rita along when he shows up uninvited at Langford’s country home. However, his plan backfires when an angry Langford demands that they leave.
Despite Langford’s dismissals and Rita’s urging, Rupert refuses to give up. It isn’t until Langford points out that he only gave Rupert his phone number to get rid of him that Rupert snaps. In a fit of bitterness, he vows to work harder and storms out. But the sting of rejection drives him to hatch a sinister plan with Masha, another obsessed stalker of Langford’s. They decide to kidnap him and demand ransom – an opening spot on Langford’s show, which is being guest-hosted by Tony Randall that evening, and for it to air as scheduled. Despite pushback from the network’s bosses, lawyers, and the FBI, they ultimately agree to the demands with the understanding that Langford will be released after the show airs. Before the broadcast, Masha gets her “dream date” with Langford at her parents’ townhouse in Manhattan while he is taped to a chair.
Date of download: 2015-11-11T17:22:34+00:00
| Cast: |
Robert De Niro
Jerry Lewis
Sandra BernhardThe King of Comedy (1982) is an American satirical black comedy film directed by Martin Scorsese. It follows the story of Rupert Pupkin, a delusional aspiring stand-up comedian. His belief that he is on the cusp of fame and success comes after he meets successful comedian and talk-show host Jerry Langford. Despite repeated rejection from Langford and his staff, particularly Cathy Long, Rupert persists in attempting to secure a spot on the show. Along the way, he indulges in elaborate fantasies involving himself and Langford as close colleagues. In an attempt to impress, Rupert brings a date named Rita along when he shows up uninvited at Langford’s country home. However, his plan backfires when an angry Langford demands that they leave.
Despite Langford’s dismissals and Rita’s urging, Rupert refuses to give up. It isn’t until Langford points out that he only gave Rupert his phone number to get rid of him that Rupert snaps. In a fit of bitterness, he vows to work harder and storms out. But the sting of rejection drives him to hatch a sinister plan with Masha, another obsessed stalker of Langford’s. They decide to kidnap him and demand ransom – an opening spot on Langford’s show, which is being guest-hosted by Tony Randall that evening, and for it to air as scheduled. Despite pushback from the network’s bosses, lawyers, and the FBI, they ultimately agree to the demands with the understanding that Langford will be released after the show airs. Before the broadcast, Masha gets her “dream date” with Langford at her parents’ townhouse in Manhattan while he is taped to a chair.
