Amateur Goes Rogue- And Kills It

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: Cream and burgundy polka dotted suit with skinny burgundy bowtie, cufflinks, and pocket square; Cherry red tuxedo with matching bowtie
• Hairstyle: Proto-mullet
• Props: Red curtain backdrop, adoring crowd
• Costume Style: Formal Wear
• Facial Hair? true
• Bare Chested? true
• Tattoos? false
• Headwear? false

• IMDB link: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0085794/?ref_=nv_sr_1
• Other Source: Rupert Pupkin's Live Standup Routine

After kidnapping Jerry Langford with his scheming friend (played by Sandra Bernhardt), Rupert takes over the show in his flashiest suit yet: cream brocade with burgundy dots, accentuated with a burgundy bow tie and pocket square. The pattern and fabric choice indicate a “go big or go home” mentality- more so than ever before, and an upgrade from his previous suits. To demonstrate the extent to which he thoroughly considered his “plan of attack”, Rupert took into account the fact that he would be in front of a deep red curtain, and chose a darker red as an accent color. Rupert achieved notoriety and seized his moment by any means necessary, and his ensemble seems to reflect the demanding nature of the song played over the opening credits: “You’re Gonna Love Me”. His bright red suit represents the height of his character once he reaches his ultimate goal: hosting his own show.

Did you know? Martin Scorsese has said that he thought Bob’s best performance under his direction was in this film. (via IMDb)

See Also:

• Hubris: The Aftermath of Fame