A Martin Scorcese film starring Robert Deniro, Sandra Bernhardt, and.... wait for it... Jerry Lewis. A sentence you would never expect to be true... but it is. This has to be the most underrated Scorcese film, but, for me, it's the perfect bookend to Taxi Driver... and strangely, more watchable. This is the story of loser, comedian wannabe, Rupert Pupkin (often mispronounced as "pumpkin" to the chagrin of Rupert). He goes to really really extreme lengths to get his shot on the Johnny Carson-like show hosted by Jerry Lewis' character. Other than 1984, I can't think of another form of fiction that was more on-target about the future. This film is all about the obsession and hero-worship surrounding celebrity... about everyone's minute in the spotlight...about the easily blurred lines between real talent and notoriety. This film just gets better every time I watch it. It also boasts more awkward moments per minute than any other film I can think of.
Great scenes...
Rupert practicing his monologue in his basement until his mother yells to keep it down. http://youtube.com/watch?v=B4Jp33ulMtQ
Rupert waiting with true stalker tenacity in the lobby of Jerry's show.
Rupert bringing his "girlfriend" to Jerry's house unannounced.
Rupert giving his "girlfriend" his own signature. http://youtube.com/watch?v=8oLdPSjfnMQ
The finale.
Rupert practicing his monologue in his basement until his mother yells to keep it down. http://youtube.com/watch?v=B4Jp33ulMtQ
Rupert waiting with true stalker tenacity in the lobby of Jerry's show.
Rupert bringing his "girlfriend" to Jerry's house unannounced.
Rupert giving his "girlfriend" his own signature. http://youtube.com/watch?v=8oLdPSjfnMQ
The finale.
1 comment:
Highly underrated and spoken about. It's sad and funny at the same time because Rupert is pathetic but things end up good for him because he just isn't going to give up. I truly think it's one of De Niro's best roles of all time.
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