Great Character: Rupert Pupkin (“The King of Comedy”)
Rupert Pupkin is perhaps one of the most interesting roles Robert DeNiro has ever played:
Plot summary for The King of Comedy from IMDB:
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. Eventually he must team up with his psychotic Langford-obsessed friend Masha to kidnap the talk show host in hopes of finally getting to perform his stand-up routine.
Rupert is a man with a goal:
Why not me? Why not? A guy can get anything he wants as long as he pays the price. What’s wrong with that? Stranger things have happened.
It would be difficult to describe Martin Scorsese’s fine new film, ‘’The King of Comedy,’’ as an absolute joy. It’s very funny, and it ends on a high note that was, for me, both a total surprise and completely satisfying. Yet it’s also bristly, sometimes manic to the edge of lunacy and, along the way, terrifying. It’s not an absolute joy by a long shot but, in the way of a film that uses all of its talents to their fullest, it’s exhilarating.
Interesting because Scorcese later said he regretted making the movie:
Martin Scorsese said later that making this film was an “unsettling” experience, in part because of the embarrassing, bitter material of the script. Scorsese said that he and Robert De Niro may have not worked together again for seven years because making “The King of Comedy” was so emotionally grueling.
Grueling, yes, but as a movie fan, it’s a fascinating film. And Rupert Pupkin is a fascinating Protagonist.
Thanks to Joe for the suggestion.