The King of Comedy
The King of Comedy is a 1982 American satirical black comedy film directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Robert De Niro (in his fifth collaboration with Scorsese), Jerry Lewis and Sandra Bernhard. Written by Paul D. Zimmerman, the film focuses on themes such as celebrity worship and American media culture. 20th Century-Fox released the film on February18, 1983, in the United States, although the film was released two months earlier in Iceland.
Plot
Rupert Pupkin is a delusional stand-up comedian unsuccessfully trying to launch his career. After meeting Jerry Langford, a successful comedian and talk-show host, Rupert believes that his "big break" has finally come. He attempts to book a spot on the show but is continually rebuffed by Langford's staff and finally by Langford himself. Along the way, Rupert indulges in elaborate and obsessive fantasies in which he and Langford are colleagues and friends.
Awards
Cast
- Catherine Scorsese
- Chuck Low
- Diahnne Abbott
- Don Letts
- Ed Herlihy
- Edgar Scherick
- Ellen Foley
- Fred de Cordova
- Gerard Murphy
- Jerry Lewis
- Joe Strummer
- Joyce Brothers
- Kim Chan
- Liza Minnelli
- Loretta Clemens Tupper
- Margo Winkler
- Marta Heflin
- Martin Scorsese
- Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio
- Mick Jones
- Paul Simonon
- Robert De Niro
- Sandra Bernhard
- Scotty Bloch
- Senator Bobby
- Shelley Hack
- Thelma Lee
- Tony Devon
- Tony Randall
- Victor Borge