Directed by Martin Scorsese

Starring Robert DeNiro, Jerry Lewis, and Sandra Bernhard

Synopsis: “Rupert Pupkin is obsessed with becoming a comedy great. However, when he confronts his idol, talk show host Jerry Langford, with a plea to perform on the Jerry’s show, he is only given the run-around. He does not give up, however, but persists in stalking Jerry until he gets what he wants.”

After the success of Raging Bull, the Scorsese-DeNiro partnership moved onto this box office flop. It difficult knowing what to expect when you are about to watch a supposed “comedy,” directed by Martin Scorsese, starring Robert DeNiro and Jerry Lewis, of all people. Parts of it are funny, but overall the character of Rupert Pupkin is so sad and pathetic that its uncomfortable to watch. As a straight up comedy I would say that the film fails, but its not supposed to be just a comedy. The story works best as a critique of celebrity culture. Exploring the “love” that these characters have for Jerry is really fascinating, and rings just as true in today’s “TMZ”-ruled world as I am sure it did back then.

Scorsese is brilliant as usual. My favorite part is the way that he presents the actual events of the story, and delusional fantasies of Rupert Pupkin in exactly the same way. At times I found myself wondering what was actually happening, or what was just in his head. What I liked about this is summed up in this excerpt from the wikipedia entry on KofC:  “In the DVD commentary, Scorsese stated that Rupert Pupkin’s character was one who was never able to differentiate between his fantasies and his reality, being incapable to separate either. Scorsese sought to achieve the same with this film to the point that, in his words, the ‘fantasy is more real than reality’.”

As was almost always the case in 1970s and early 80s (and especially in Scorsese films), DeNiro is great here. It always impresses me the way that he was able to really lose himself in his characters. And Rupert is such a different character than anything he’s played in the last twenty years… His versatility and intensity are just incredible. Jerry Lewis really does a great job too, giving a surprisingly nuanced performance. And Sandra Bernhard is alright here, but only because shes playing a character who is supposed to be obnoxious.

8/10