The King of Comedy is a film that blurs the lines between reality and fantasy, as we follow the journey of Rupert Pupkin, a delusional aspiring comedian. As Pupkin’s obsession with fame grows, he resorts to kidnapping a famous talk show host to secure a spot on his show. The film is a fascinating exploration of the dark side of fame and the lengths people will go to achieve it. Let’s dive into some lesser-known facts and insights about this intriguing film.
10. Robert De Niro used anti-Semitic remarks to anger Jerry Lewis.
In an effort to evoke a genuine reaction from Jerry Lewis, Robert De Niro resorted to using anti-Semitic remarks during their scenes together. This tactic shocked and appalled Lewis, but he managed to maintain his composure and deliver a strong performance in the film.
9. Martin Scorsese found the film uncomfortable to make.
The gritty dialogue and subject matter of The King of Comedy made it a challenging project for Scorsese and the actors. The director has even admitted that the film was difficult to get through on a day-to-day basis.
8. Sandra Bernhardt improvised most of her lines.
This was only Bernhardt’s second live-action film and her first with any significant dialogue. Scorsese allowed her to improvise much of her dialogue, showcasing her natural comedic talent.
7. Scorsese aimed to blur the lines between fantasy and reality.
To emphasize Pupkin’s unstable mental state, Scorsese made a conscious effort to ensure that the film’s fantasy sequences were indistinguishable from reality. This creative choice adds to the unsettling nature of the film.
6. Scorsese has expressed regret about making the film.
The director has gone on record stating that he shouldn’t have made The King of Comedy, citing the challenges of keeping the film’s many elements cohesive and managing the actors’ expectations.
5. The film was considered a flop in 1983.
Despite its intriguing premise and strong performances, The King of Comedy failed to generate much buzz upon its release and has not achieved cult classic status in the years since.
4. Scorsese was in poor health during the film’s production.
The director was battling exhaustion and pneumonia while shooting The King of Comedy. The film’s demanding schedule allowed him little time for rest and recuperation.
3. De Niro was concerned about Jerry Lewis’ presence on set.
De Niro worried that Lewis would try to steal the spotlight with his larger-than-life personality. However, Scorsese insisted on casting Lewis, who ultimately delivered a restrained and effective performance.
2. De Niro studied Richard Belzer’s stand-up routines for the film.
To prepare for his role as Pupkin, De Niro studied the stand-up comedy of Richard Belzer, who is best known for his role as Detective John Munch on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.
1. Jerry Lewis was frequently frustrated with Scorsese.
Lewis was reportedly made to wait for three days before being used in the film, leading him to express his frustration with Scorsese. He told the director to call him when he was needed, rather than wasting his time.
The King of Comedy may not have been a joy to make, but it remains a fascinating exploration of fame, obsession, and the dark side of comedy.
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