Unearthing the Untold Legacy: Revisiting a Robert De Niro Masterpiece That Defied Its Critics

Summary

The King Of Comedy initially received mixed reviews and was labeled as the flop of the year upon its release in 1982.

The film's lack of success at the box office can be attributed to its dramatic shift in visual style and its relentless bleak and cynical tone. However, despite its initial reception, The King Of Comedy has built a solid reputation over the years and is recognized as one of Martin Scorsese's finest works.

Martin Scorsese, the legendary filmmaker, reflects on the initial reception of his satirical film The King Of Comedy. Starring Jerry Lewis, Sandra Bernhard, Diahnne Abbot, and Robert De Niro, this movie tells the story of Rupert Pupkin, an ambitious comedian who becomes obsessed with achieving fame and fortune. Pupkin goes to extreme lengths, including stalking and kidnapping his idol Jerry Langford, a famous late-night talk show host, in his quest for success. Unfortunately, The King Of Comedy faced negative reviews and was a commercial failure upon its release in 1982.

A video shared by Entertainment Weekly features Martin Scorsese discussing the moment The King Of Comedy received harsh criticism on live television. Scorsese recalls how Entertainment Tonight labeled the movie as the biggest flop of the year. This revelation comes ahead of the release of Scorsese's upcoming film Killers of the Flower Moon.

“People hated it when it came out, No, it was the flop of the year. That's what it was called on Entertainment Tonight, New Year's Eve '83-'84. It's okay, it's alright.’

Why The King Of Comedy Received Mixed Reviews

Upon its release in 1982, The King Of Comedy performed poorly at the box office, generating only $2.5 million in revenue against a $19 million budget. Several factors contributed to its initial lack of appeal among audiences. Firstly, the stark departure in visual style from Scorsese's previous acclaimed works, such as Taxi Driver and Raging Bull, may have caught some viewers off guard. The renowned director opted for a more raw and grounded approach rather than his usual flashy aesthetic.

The movie's lack of success may be attributed to its relentless portrayal of bleakness. Scorsese, in The King Of Comedy, deliberately avoided offering any comfort to his audience, as the story is filled with cynicism and dark humor. De Niro once commented on the film's failure at the box office, stating that it wasn't well-received due to its unsettling nature.

Over time, The King Of Comedy has gained a massive reputation and is considered one of Scorsese's most acclaimed works. The esteemed Japanese filmmaker Akira Kurosawa, before his passing, expressed his admiration for the movie, considering it one of his personal favorites. Many other prominent figures in the film industry have praised the movie for its ambition and risk-taking. It has also served as an inspiration for numerous films and characters, notably the screenplay for the 2019 film Joker.

Source: EW