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

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

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)

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