What Bob Wore: A Sartorial Appreciation of the Notable Costumes Worn by Robert De Niro in Martin Scorsese’s Films
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Rupert: Armchair Comedian in his Mother's House

Film Details:

  • Film Title: The King of Comedy
  • Film Year: 1982
  • Character Name: Rupert Pupkin
  • Cinematography: colorFilm
  • Scorsese Cameo? true

Here is more information about the costume and how it informs the character:

  • Clothing Articles: 3-piece gray-blue suit with butter yellow tie and pocket square (throwback to yellow shade worn in "New York, New York"?), white loafers
  • Hairstyle: Proto-mullet
  • Props: Tape recorder, cardboard cutouts of Liza Minnelli and Jerry Langford (Jerry Lewis)
  • Costume Style: Formal Wear
  • Facial Hair? true
  • Bare Chested? true
  • Tattoos? false
  • Headwear? false

Rupert Pupkin is a man with a big dream: to gain recognition from current late night talk show host royalty Jerry Langford (Jerry Lewis) on his show with his stand-up comedy routine. Like many ambitious wannabes, Rupert hones his hustle with his homemade demo tape to send in to his idol- but must avoid accidently recording his mother yelling at him. Even in the confines of his mother's house Rupert stands out as a curious force to be reckoned with through his wardrobe choices: loud suits with flashy prints and fabrics, in particular. This indicates a sense that Rupert is always "on" as a ficticious late night comedy host, a means of playing dress-up to prepare for his sought-after career in showbiz.

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