The King of Comedy - The Unhealthy Quest for Fame

[@ajtaylor8750]

One of Scorsese's best films. The scariest aspect of Rupert Pupkin's character is his lack of awareness of just how heinous his actions are as he justifies them as a means to an end to obtain his end goal.

[@suarezguy]

I think he does admit to himself that they are heinous but tries to justify them by that Jerry betrayed him first and/by he didn't, wouldn't do anything for him, even though he said he would.

[@TheSMR1969]

It's obvious he's mentally ill

[@angelmanfredy]

“You laughin’ at me? YOU LAUGHIN’ AT ME?” 😂😂😂

[@SuperEmpath1061]

I agree. Brilliant movie!

[@speedracer2008]

“Rupert wants someone to take a chance on him, when he himself is too afraid to take a chance on himself”. That’s the best description of Rupert’s flaws. He wants to have everything handed to him and doesn’t want to put in the effort to achieve his goals.

[@WolfRhymesEntertainment]

What's funny is all the people throwing shade on the king of comedy Rupert who is a fictitious character and this is a classic character and classic movie . What's funny is all that throw shade on this fictitious character are such fucking nobodies that a fictitious character is better than all of you who throw shade at him and say this isnt the way to be ! 😂😂😂😂 I remember this movie and many others too. And who the hell is anyone to think they are better than Rupert ??? It's you guys who will be schmucks for a lifetime following advice from a narrator that throws shade at Rupert . Rupert although is delusional he never gives up that is the only ingredient that fucking matters ya fucking nobodies . Who cares if your style of humor or art is not conventional, as long as you never give up and you do it the way you want to not the way people tell you to do it , you will be successful or if not its just like Rupert said "its better to be king for one night than to be a schmuck for a lifetime"!

[@forickgrimaldus8301]

Basically he wants to have his cake and eat it too

[@Loaf_of_Cat]

​@@forickgrimaldus8301loneliness would get to him somehow

[@kb4903]

@@forickgrimaldus8301without starting at the bottom.

[@IAmNumber4000]

5:36 “The more Rupert avoids finding out the truth about whether or not he’s actually talented, the more he has to reinforce to himself that he’s too talented to do things the normal way” Really good observation. This made me reflect on some of my own unconscious problems with perfectionism, avoidance, and self-sabotage. Your analysis fits with my own experiences of childhood emotional neglect, which apparently left me with more issues than I thought. There are so many projects I never finished, so much art I never made, because on some level I’ve always been terrified to be shown proof that I’m not capable of the type of perfection that might get me noticed. The sad part is that I do have talents that get attention from others, but it can never be enough to fill that hole. I didn’t think anything was wrong with my childhood until I learned about emotional neglect, and even then I felt like a fool for complaining about my upbringing when I know others whose parents were violently abusive. Yet, these irrational fears keep surfacing. And like a teddy bear you pull out of an old storage box, you suddenly remember that it’s been right by your side since the beginning.

[@user-vu6ke]

The relatability in this is actually so crazy. SAME BRO!!! Oh man, and the worst part for me personally is that throughout my childhood I thought it was just me. To a point where I would lock away my talents and aspirations of what I wanted to become from people out of fear of being judged. Meanwhile the person judging me most, was myself. This film is such a brilliant analysis of the human condition, and this video breaks it down very well. I hope we all find healing and the courage needed to allow ourselves to be imperfect in the pursuit of success 🤍

[@curiousworld7912]

I remember seeing this when it was first released. It was unique, disturbing, tragic, and is definitely one of Scorsese's best. The writing, editing, directing, acting - it's all outstanding. It's one of those films that never leaves you; it's message of 'fame at any cost' was a warning of what has become ubiquitous - especially, it seems, in the US. People are so desperate to be 'seen', and this film certainly showed not only how twisted that desire was at the time, it also foreshadowed society's present quest for fame. And, if the reality of fame fails, there's always infamy.

[@sifatshams1113]

Not only is this my all time favorite comedy film, it's also one of the eeriest, saddest and most uniquely disturbing films I've ever seen. Even as a humungous horror fan, I can honestly say I have yet to see another film that has unnerved me and gotten under my skin in the same way KOC has, despite it having such broad humor that's also genuinely funny. Literally the only other film that can stand next to it is the original The Heartbreak Kid (1972).

[@TheArborphiliac]

Have you ever seen Tideland?

[@sifatshams1113]

@@TheArborphiliac No. I've seen and enjoyed several other Terry Gilliam films but I've actively avoided that one because it looks weird and that child actress was pretty terrible in the Silent Hill adaptation.

[@zeltzamer4010]

If you want more cringe comedy in the vein of KoC and the original Heartbreak Kid, you might check out To Die For if you haven’t. It’s got that same twisted, uncomfortable/sad quality.

[@sifatshams1113]

@@zeltzamer4010 Yeah, I've seen it. That one's more similar to Nightcrawler, though.

[@TheArborphiliac]

@@sifatshams1113 it is weird, it's hard to judge her performance for me because it is so strange, but based on your description it's probably worth watching. The beginning is terry Gilliam saying "hi, I'm terry Gilliam. A lot of you will hate this movie", and everyone I saw it with was NOT happy with it. I loved it. It was gross and uncomfortable but the last few minutes totally redeem it. Also, the actress responded to me on Reddit when I was talking about it, and that was kinda cool.

[@BlastBeatBreakdown]

This movie is criminally underrated

[@dimension6170]

“I think everybody should get rich and famous and do everything they ever dreamed of so they can see that it's not the answer.” ~ Jim Carrey

[@dustingmyguitars]

This is one of my all time favorite movies! Completely underrated!

[@jevinday]

I heard of King of Comedy in 2018. I was shocked that I had never heard from it and immediately watched it with my brother. What a great film. A sure sign for me that I love a film is when I see it one time and never forget the character's name. Rupert Pupkin...what a name

[@qjames0077]

I appreciate that there were so many allusions to this movie in Joker 2019. One of the most underrated Scorsese flicks

[@domclegg1225]

allusions? Joker is a straight rip-off of KOC and Taxi Driver 😂

[@idanlewenhoff2295]

@@domclegg1225 more of an homage i would say rip off is a little much

[@calumnorth]

@@idanlewenhoff2295 bonafide Rip Off.

[@qjames0077]

@@domclegg1225 not true, there was no clown makeup in either of those movies

[@TheSMR1969]

​@@domclegg1225joker is perfected version of this, taxi driver is dog sh*t

[@adamkane4217]

My second favorite Scorsese movie after Goodfellas. Rupert's real tragedy is that he probably had the talent to be successful--his act at the end shows that he can be funny--but he's just so caught in his own delusion he can't see any other way than the path he chooses.

[@WolfRhymesEntertainment]

Did watch the film?! How is it tragic ? He became famous and you didn't cause your a schmuck for a lifetime 😂😂😂What's funny is all the people throwing shade on the king of comedy Rupert who is a fictitious character and this is a classic character and classic movie . What's funny is all that throw shade on this fictitious character are such fucking nobodies that a fictitious character is better than all of you who throw shade at him and say this isnt the way to be ! 😂😂😂😂 I remember this movie and many others too. And who the hell is anyone to think they are better than Rupert ??? It's you guys who will be schmucks for a lifetime following advice from a narrator that throws shade at Rupert . Rupert although is delusional he never gives up that is the only ingredient that fucking matters ya fucking nobodies . Who cares if your style of humor or art is not conventional, as long as you never give up and you do it the way you want to not the way people tell you to do it , you will be successful or if not its just like Rupert said "its better to be king for one night than to be a schmuck for a lifetime"!

[@bev9708]

OUTSTANDING video, bravo !!!!!! I'll never forget how disturbed I felt watching that film for the first time, such an underrated gem. And was very excited to see Robert De Niro in Joker... what a brilliant coup that was!!

[@JM-ql7mh]

Dude, your format and style is unlike any other videos I've come across. Absolutely love it.

[@idanlewenhoff2295]

I haven't seen the movie but your analysis of the general topic was just on point. it might be one of the best and relevant videos I've seen in a while. the fact that talent isn't enough, and the ability to suffer failure also is key to success. also the examination of the meaning of success and its actual worth. and bu burnham is a true gift to mankind.

[@marcster0581]

Terrific film. It reminds me of Robert Frost’s quote (and I’m paraphrasing) that you must take the avenue less traveled in order to stand out. Like so many people pursuing success in the entertainment industry, they’re so afraid of failure because of how vulnerable they become when trying to exhibit their talents that they’re afraid of taking a risk. No risk, no reward.

[@candelise]

The scariest aspect of this movie is that there is a sizeable audience for a Rupert Pupkin.

[@elevenseven-yq4vu]

Pseudoscientific con-man Jordan Peterson and his cultist following come to mind.

[@alexandra-ru3ls]

Great video. And you are right. Some people will do anything for a bit of attention, which is sad to see. And yes, to achieve your dream and goal you have to put in the effort, the action. You have to take the risk. Sitting on the couch and thinking about your dream won't bring you anything. There is a saying: God gives you, but he won't put it in your pocket.

[@lemonandlimeman274]

Scorsese’s films have an uncanny ability to stay relevant. For example, taxi driver seems even more relevant now than it was when it was released.

[@teds7379]

Taxi Driver will always be relevant because that type of young man exists at all times, everywhere. It happens to be set in the '70's and while it is also a perfect snapshot of the time, it could just as easily be translated to today, and same for KOC.

[@tyrannosaurusburke]

This is probably the best in-depth analysis of "The King of Comedy" I've seen so far on KZbin.

[@HipHopHead82]

I absolutely love how when you said “genuine talent” you showed Bo Burnham!

[@idanlewenhoff2295]

same

[@brianvail9212]

The Clash has a cameo in this movie, heckling Rupert on the NYC streets.

[@abosworth]

Another great analysis as usual from you, sir. I'm not sure if you take suggestions, but I'd really love a video from you on Hugh Laurie, in particular, his performance as Dr. House. If you're ever looking for a new project, maybe this one would strike your fancy? Keep up the great work!

[@tziporahmalkah5352]

Fabulous clip and commentary (as always- I love this channel). I see some correlation with Taxi Driver. Many of Scorseses movies are quite prophetic/sharp thinking and showing us the predicable. After Hours too.

[@EduardoSnapper-wr8qs]

My own take on Rupert is far more pathetic. At first he seems like a struggling young comic but he isn’t. He’s larping a struggling young comic. It’s interesting that his mother is only heard but never seen. I believe that she’s dead and that there was so much conflict in their relationship that she even intrudes in on his fantasies though long dead. And the ending is ambiguous an even purposely unreal so we don’t know if it’s for real or another one of his fantasies.

[@CrestORazors]

This is legitimately one of Marty’s most underrated movies. It’s a great look into celebrity culture

[@wet-read]

This and even more so, After Hours.

[@ricardojurado5544]

I seriously look forward to every upload

[@blyteplays9748]

Seems The Joker, draws a lot of parallels here, not to mention both sharing Deniro

[@speedracer2008]

Yep. It also draws parallels from Taxi Driver (1976).

[@eduardotoloza4211]

You made a precise observation about comedians. They can not be in their head all the time, they need the ability to change their speaking based on the audience's feedback. Just an observation, it's a great video.

[@higbees31]

I saw it on HBO back in the mid 1980s. Really a good movie and a cautionary tale of how an amuck fan can become a stalker.

[@dipdip7250]

I love this channel. Always introducing new ideas.

[@keepplayingnice]

This is an amazing video. So many great insights about this movie.

[@damianstarks3338]

Perfect video analysis of this movie

[@pratikgoud1]

In depth analysis. Good job keep it up

[@tylerthompson1842]

My favorite Robert D role mostly because of how much of a one off character type it was for him. He usually plays tough guys

[@erinrodgersStoryCoach]

One of the things I find interesting is that Rupert Pupkin feels like a guy who would watch a lot of DeNiro movies, misunderstand them, and weave together a persona based on them.

[@nicolasrijhwani8534]

The ending of this film was fantastic. Never fails to haunt me.

[@juliananthony1226]

I just really love that Pupkin messed up the last line. Perfection

[@christophermoriarty3274]

Brilliant observations.

[@AWLStudios]

Great video as always!

[@HorseJoint]

I like Robert De Niro has played 2 of the most “Literally Me” characters on planet earth.

[@TheSMR1969]

You're a Schizophrenic?

[@Dan-jj2vr]

Nice video, my thanks

[@PeterMayer]

I'm one of those musicians. Close but no cigar. Gained fame around here in cincinnati, which is col and had some interest here and there.

[@Robban.D.Jonsson.]

Fine, I'll give it a like but there's no way I can be bothered to post a comment just to feed the algorithm.

[@JustanObservation]

Damn, I almost convinced you. Maybe next time

[@XanderShiller]

I can't watch this without 1st acknowledging how great and tragic this film is.

[@derekmatzek9551]

As the always wise Patrick Star once said: “Hero worship is unhealthy. C’mon Jeffery.”

[@sabrod92]

Never seen this. I may going to watch this. There are sooooon many people like this. Not comedy but acting and music. They think if someone famous sees them perform they'll be swooped away to Hollywood

[@Diispaceyone]

just watched the film, it was truly great. well done analysis!

[@TheFanJrock]

A great video about a great film!

[@andu1854]

It’s a great movie, the worst was when Jerry doesn’t want to talk to a woman’s daughter on a pay phone, she screams “I hope you get cancer” but this movie has aged really well And the themes are timeless and 8 year old me had no clue what was going on but I watched a ton of tv and this was always on HbO

[@ultor__]

On point analysis, as always.

[@botengu5728]

Great analysis!

[@botwitaprice]

Now I know why "The King of Comedy" made me feel as I did about it. Thanks

[@gowthamgangaraju2881]

I also think he lied during his comedy act about his parents. He implies that his mother had died but we see multiple scenes where his mother was yelling out at him. Also by the way he behaves to his mother implies he wasn't neglected but was rather pampered. It was the pampering and constant reassurance of his worth that led him to believe he was too good for the comddy clubs and other avenues for success

[@erikakos3664]

Great video, but I wish you talked about the fact that in the end, Rupert does succeed. And not just in a "king for a day" sense, as it's revealed at the end that after getting out of prison (serving not even half of his original sentence) he's looking at movie deals for his book and is a nationally well-known celebrity. I think the most disturbing part of this film isn't that people will actually go as far as Rupert does for fame, but that their reprehensible actions actually bring them the results they envisioned.

[@JustanObservation]

I consider that another delusion of his, as the scene is too surreal, the curtains resemble prison bars, and after finally saying his monologue, he keeps getting introduced but has nothing new to say

[@erikakos3664]

@@JustanObservation wow, never thought about like that. Interesting point of view, thanks for the reply

[@IAmNumber4000]

IMO the ending was ambiguous. There are clues that the ending was all in his head. Like the fact that the announcer says his name 8 times (!!), and we know that Rupert is frustrated by the fact that nobody can remember his name (like the receptionist who never gets it right even once). But there remains some possibility that it did really happen, because the nature of fame really is as hollow and illusory as Rupert treats it. Maybe committing a crime really was enough to get him the name recognition he needed to kickstart some sort of a career.

[@lcaceci43]

The movie deals, etc. were a part of Rupert's fantasy.

[@LidlBigBoy]

This film is incredible

[@ElementiaYT]

I haven't seen the movie yet, but now I have to. It seems really fascinating

[@IAmNumber4000]

It’s an excellent movie, one of my all-time favorites for sure Even this video doesn’t do justice to the absolute nuttery that happens towards the end 😂

[@T2theG123]

Would love for you to analyze The Knick with Clive Owen

[@TylerLong-x7h]

This movie is fantastic truly amazing.

[@alanhumid6938]

De Niro is so damn flexible

[@TeamCat1128]

Very well done.

[@sinane.y]

To get a glimpse of how deranged Rupert really is, let's look at the scene he records his act on tape for Jerry. First of all, he tells Marsha he lives in a hovel and can't pay his rent. But when we see him at home, not only it looks like a neatly designed TV set of some sorts, there's an upstairs from whence his mother shouts at him, so it can be inferred that he lives in his mother's basement that he arranged according to his taste. But then in his stand up he says his mother has been dead for a while. And we actually never see her, only hear her voice from upstairs. Kinda like Norman Bates' mother in Psycho, Rupert's mother lives in his head. And finally, when he "interacts" with his mother, next to the stairs are human size cardboard cut ups of celebrities, including Marilyn Monroe. Rupert's parents were both absent during his childhood and he probably had television as a surrogate parent, like Jim Carey's character in The Cable Guy. Finally, look at 8:46. In his fantasy, when he finally gets famous, the bookstore has Rupert's cardboard cut up. He's finally become like one of his idols. The light coming from upstairs is very unrealistic too, just like in a TV set. Also, notice the painting on the wall that leads upstairs : silver grey. And we indeed see the same painting on the very next shot, when he's pretending to be in front of an audience made of cardboard. The camera pulls back, and we see he's actually standing at the end of a long corridor, and the walls are silver grey. All these details suggest that Rupert is totally disconnected from reality, and nowhere is that more obvious than when he's alone with himself.

[@Benlovescheese]

Only uust watched this- really funny, creepy and enjoyable- still relevant today.

[@howardron543]

This is one i will definitely watch

[@kubilay7265]

Almost a paralel to Joker

[@Churchmilitant67]

As i hear your opening monologue, I'm thinking about Amadeus.

[@AchtungEnglander]

Its interesting that DeNiro played both the wannabe in this film and the made presenter in the Joker, mirroring the character of Jerry Lewis. Maybe that is what appealed to DeNiro to play the role of Murray Franklin

[@Jaseumalo]

I wish this movie would hit streaming

[@abbesmejri8430]

i discover this movie in my journrey to watch Martin Scorsesse biography. I believe that Taxi driver and The king of comedy are his finest artworks. .

[@johnnycash2254]

This was one of those acting jobs were I felt the actor was the character - despite RD’s credentials. Then again he did that with raging bull, taxi driver….

[@elevenseven-yq4vu]

"Taxi Driver", "King of Comedy", "Bringing out the Dead" = Scorsese's best films.

[@369frequencyandvibration]

And The Joker script

[@cowboywaingro7259]

Good video thx

[@okigi-wo5zm]

It was released in 1983. I remember first hand.

[@Yoseb-d6g]

And Jerry Lewis playing himself!!!!❤❤❤❤and Sandra OMg.

[@PeterMayer]

Grossly underrated Scorsese movie.

[@iamgoingtodeckyoutwo5966]

Thank you

[@rabidrabbitshuggers]

I sometimes wonder if Rupert even liked Jerry on any level or if Jerry was just a means to an end.

[@aidanlynn]

One theory is that Rupert’s mum is actually dead, which just makes this movie even darker.

[@dagfinissocool]

He says so in his monolouge so yeah I believe she's dead.. Just another figment of his imagination

[@bertramwinslowiii2119]

@@dagfinissocool It's just a stand up comedian's schtick - not to be taken literally - there's no reason to think his mother is dead!

[@ajifajriana1533]

Nah,if you watch carefully you will see the scene where ruppet talking about the materies.that stand up is pretty much him exposing himself​@@bertramwinslowiii2119

[@scientist23wannabe_23]

The video came out on my Birthday

[@WalterFrith]

The saddest thing about this film has nothing to do with any of the characters portrayed. The saddest thing is its commentary on the American obsession with fame and rewarding bad behaviour as Rupert is a success at the end when he should be driven out of show business altogether.

[@TheSMR1969]

He deserves it, the man is obviously very mentally ill

[@sinane.y]

I always thought Rupert and Travis Bickle were two sides of the same coin, one being overtly dark, the other only seemingly light. The quote by Paul Zimmerman confirms my view, I guess. Also think of how both films end : they both achieve the fame they yearn for, but it's hinted that the "happy" endings are just fantasies.

[@EduardoSnapper-wr8qs]

I believe that Travis actually died in the shootout but he’s still living in his fantasy world even as he lay dying.

[@airhead1218]

one of dinero's top performances in his acting career

[@joshuasoto8490]

Dropping a comment so the algorithm can do its thing.

[@surajdixit5059]

can you analysis of bojack horseman

[@theantone7476]

King of Comedy is one of my favorite films that sadly doesnt get enough love or attention, I'll admit I never watched it until last year. Still. I always heard about it since the big hype for Joaquin Phoenix's first Joker movie. Anyway great themes at work here. It shows that being famous isnt always as it's cracked up to be. To be honest the only character I feel sorry for is Jerry. He is miserable dealing with psychotic fans of his like Marsha and Rupert, maybe even wishing he didnt aim to be famous at all. I loved the scene shots between reality and fantasy when it came to Rupert, it gives great insight into his character. Quite freaky knowing his mother isnt alive at all, he's been ranting in his apartment pretending his mother is alive. Also that whole basement shot like a studio set. Creepy

[@bertramwinslowiii2119]

It works much better if his mother really is alive. That way he's more of a schmuck - a man in his 30s, crummy job, lives with his mother...

[@tezlikesfilms]

one of the first films were i felt personally targeted, had to question if i was living in delusion at times

[@Yoseb-d6g]

Wow. Perfect timing for our age. dTrmp is the King if Comedy in real time. Scorsese is such a great historian too. I 💕💕💕 your show!!! Love you from California ❤️❤️❤️

[@GetALifeMiley]

It’s even worse now days. With TikTok and KZbin everyone thinks they should be famous. Sadly, these people actually think they are someone just because someone watches their dumb video. This movie just shows how delusional people can be. That includes those who think this is a good movie.

[@JollyWailmer]

Where can I stream this movie?

[@Feedingtheponys]

Disney plus has it in aus

[@WolfRhymesEntertainment]

A cautionary tale of what not to do. Rupert's path is only for the kings of comedy not schmucks

[@Churchmilitant67]

I noticed a lot of people nowadays want the shortcut...

[@coyalino]

Best movie !!

[@michaelr3583]

never heard of this movie, but it reminds me alot of The Joker

[@WalterFrith]

Rupert makes it at the end of the film if you listen to the epilogue. He writes a best selling book in prison and gets his own talk show when he gets out.

[@guadalupefreyre5900]

4:50

[@domclegg1225]

its an absolutely perfect film and its somehow not Scorsese's best.

[@JoJoJoker]

Pupkin would’ve succeeded on social media. Maybe. But he refused to take good and well-meaning advice from Jerry.

[@playthatfunkymusicrobot]

Please, don't ever watch Don't **** With Cats if you haven't seen it. It's disturbing, sensationalist, & very hypocritical.

[@KRISHAN-ho5oc]

I watched it

[@jerryschramm4399]

"King" along with "After Hours" show a much different side of Scorsese. Biting satire, and some really unhinged characters. Not always violent, but people caught up in events beyond their control. Your comment on social media's impact on this generation. A few years ago, when I was still teaching, I overheard two female students arguing about which reality show they would be on. This was their life goal. Now, we have these online "challenges" that seem to be more interested in outdoing each other in how stupid they can be.

[@PeterMayer]

And I don't think he was unemployed because they showed him delivering things right?

[@hideousruin]

Your opening implies that one will eventually succeed on talent alone or with talent as a predominant trait. Although talent used to be more more important than it is in the success of an entertainer, The vast majority of people with talent, even those with extraordinary talent, will fail. Although probably less important with male comedians than females, being traditionally good looking is at least of important for success in the entertainment industry and probably more so than talent. And in some parts of the entertainment industry talent is more of an afterthought compared to being attractive.

[@iinvaderrand]

I loved Jerry Lewis in this film.