What Bob Wore: A Sartorial Appreciation of the Notable Costumes Worn by Robert De Niro in Martin Scorsese’s Films
What Bob Wore: Home | About | Costumes by Type: Period Picture vs. Modern day | Costumes by Film Year | Costumes by Chonological Order |
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1973 Tiny Hat Intro: Our first look at Bob in Marty's Films
Rakish grin, terrible hair
1976 NYC Loner
We ARE the People
1977 V-Day Meet-Cute
Musical Takes a Dark Turn
1980 In the Ring
Hubris: The Aftermath of Fame
1982 Rupert: Armchair Comedian in his Mother's House
Can't Take No For an Answer
Amateur Goes Rogue- And Kills It
1991 The Illustrated Man Behind Bars
Freedom
Stalking Continues
Loud Moviegoer

Can't Take No For an Answer

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: Pastel blue corduroy 3 piece suit worn with blue dress shirt and white collar, accented with red necktie and matching pocket square;
  • Hairstyle: Proto-mullet
  • Props: Demo tape, naked ambition
  • Costume Style: Formal Wear
  • Facial Hair? true
  • Bare Chested? false
  • Tattoos? false
  • Headwear? false

Similar to his colorful suit in New York, New York, Bob uses bright, boldly-hued clothes to demonstrate the relentless nature of a determined, selfish character- this time Rupert Pupkin, who keeps coming back again and again to Jerry Langford’s office to secure a spot on the show. When the receptionists turn him away again and again, Rupert resorts to kidnapping Jerry. Given his own delusions of fame and talent, and his inability to accept reality, the bright colors don’t seem out of place in Rupert’s wardrobe.

Did you know? Scorsese said that he and Bob may have not worked together again for seven years because of the emotionally grueling nature of making this film. Additionally, Scorsese later admitted that making this film was an "unsettling" experience, in part because of the embarrassing, bitter material of the script. (via IMDb)

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