Rupert Pupkin (Robert de Niro) is an unfunny social misfit who desperately wants to launch his comedy career. After a chance encounter with his idol, late-night host Jerry Langford (Jerry Lewis), Rupert believes his big break is in sight and tries to spur it along with a kidnapping. The King of Comedy is an underrated gem in Martin Scorsese’s career that shows his versatility as a director, stepping away from his usual Mafioso-fueled films toward a pitch black comedy that skewers the celebrity-obsessed culture. De Niro himself turns in a creepy yet sympathetic performance that gives his own portrayals of Travis Bickle and Jake LaMotta a run for their money. It’s no wonder that Todd Phillips heavily draws from the film for his Joker and casting De Niro as the Langford character against Joaquin Phoenix’s Pupkin.
The 1:30 pm "After Hours in the Sun" screening on Sunday 10/13 is at regular price but includes free popcorn, happy hour and $5 tickets for After Hours members.