Synopsis
Robert De Niro is Rupert Pupkin, supreme loser. He has delusions of greatness, andconstantly fantasizes he has a wonderful friendship with talk show host Jerry Langford (JerryLewis, superb). Pupkin is determined to get his moment in the limelight, and he will stop atnothing, not even kidnapping, to make sure he gets what’s coming to him. Along for the ride issimilarly obsessed (and grotesque) fan Sandra Bernhard. Look out. Incredibly smart, incrediblyfunny, incredibly uncom…ortable filmmaking. This is one of Martin Scorsese’s best films, whichis saying something.
Audio
The sound comes in both 2.0 stereo and mono versions. The stereo mix isn’t bad, factoring inthe 20-year age of the film. There is some buzz, and one or two moments where the voices slipincorrectly into surround. The sound effects aren’t always consistent in their presence either. Onthe other hand, the degree of surround was a bit more than I was expecting. The music soundsgood.
Video
Again, allowing for an older film, the video is pretty solid. The picture is 1.85:1 anamorphicwidescreen. The colours, contrasts, blacks and flesh tones are all solid, and the image is as sharpas can reasonably be expected. All in all a good transfer.
Special Features
The menu is pretty deluxe, with both animation and sound, and fits right in with the fantasyworld Pupkin inhabits. The extras are a retrospective featurette in the company of Scorsese andBernhard, the theatrical trailer, the Canadian TV spot, a still gallery, and two deleted scenes. Oneof these is perhaps the most interesting of the bonus features: the complete monologue deliveredby Lewis at the start of the film. The Langford character is even more clearly Lewis here, rightdown to the silly voice.
Closing Thoughts
If you don’t like cringing in lethal embarrassment, then stay the hell away from this film. Butif you like your comedies dripping venom, then step right up. You won’t be disappointed.
Special Features List
- Making-of Featurette
- Trailer
- Canadian TV Spot
- Deleted Scenes
