King of Comedy (film)

King of Comedy is a 1982 American satirical black comedy film directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Robert De Niro, Jerry Lewis, and Sandra Bernhard. The film centers on Rupert Pupkin (De Niro), an aspiring but unsuccessful stand-up comedian who stalks his idol, talk show host Jerry Langford (Lewis), in an attempt to get his big break. When his efforts are ignored, Pupkin, along with his obsessive accomplice Masha (Bernhard), kidnaps Langford and demands to perform a stand-up routine on his show as the ransom.

While not initially a box office success, King of Comedy has gained a cult following and critical acclaim over the years. It is noted for its dark humor, unsettling themes of fame and obsession, and its prescient commentary on celebrity culture and the media. Many critics have drawn parallels between Rupert Pupkin and later characters like Travis Bickle from Scorsese's Taxi Driver, highlighting shared themes of alienation and the pursuit of recognition. The film's exploration of media manipulation and the blurred lines between reality and fantasy have also been cited as particularly relevant in the modern era. Despite its comedic elements, King of Comedy is ultimately a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition and the desperate desire for fame.