When it opened in 1982, Martin Scorsese's "The King of Comedy" was not a hit. However, time has been kind to this brilliant, cynical take on how fame and celebrity can bring down a show business idol as well as fanatical fans. The film was far ahead of its time and would prove to be even more prescient as the years went by. The movie's oddball teaming of Robert De Niro and Jerry Lewis worked brilliantly and there was a superb supporting turn by Sandra Bernhardt. In this short tribute from 2009, New York Times film critic A.O. Scott celebrates this underrated gem.
