La valse des pantins

I don't know about anyone else, but that catchphrase courtesy of Rupert Pupkin is immortal. As for this movie, it is a black comedy masterpiece. As far as Martin Scorsese's movies go, I would personally put Goodfellas, Raging Bull and Taxi Driver over this, but The King of Comedy is in the top 5 of his movies. When it comes to the direction, The King of Comedy is to me one of Scorsese's most strongly directed movies and he also creates a more cruel and bewitching New York here.

The King of Comedy scores highly visually too. New York does look beautiful, while the costumes, locations, sets and cinematography are all very impressive, and the whole film is beautifully edited. The script is sharp, witty, funny yet it also has moments when it is restrained and poignant. The story is always compelling as well, and the soundtrack is wonderful.

As is the acting. Robert DeNiro gives a very powerful performance, it's probably not his most iconic role(Travis from Taxi Driver), but it is his most complex. Jerry Lewis is also magnificent as the chilly old pro chat-show king Jerry Langford. All in all, a fine film, with the direction, writing and acting especially to be admired. 10/10 Bethany Cox