“The King of Comedy” (キング・オブ・コメディ), Original Japanese First-Release Movie Poster 1984, Martin Scorsese / Robert De Niro, B2 Size (c. 51 × 73 cm) — T21

This is an original Japanese B2 theatrical poster for the 1984 Japanese first release of Martin Scorsese’s The King of Comedy, distributed by Shochiku-Fuji. Its striking composition places Robert De Niro’s aspiring comedian beneath enormous English lettering, capturing the film’s uneasy mixture of show-business ambition, fantasy and obsession.

Directed by Martin Scorsese and written by Paul D. Zimmerman, the film stars Robert De Niro as Rupert Pupkin, an unsuccessful comedian determined to secure a television appearance. Jerry Lewis plays talk-show host Jerry Langford, whose encounters with Pupkin escalate into a kidnapping scheme. Sandra Bernhard, Diahnne Abbott and Shelley Hack complete the principal supporting cast. 

The design incorporates colour, monochrome and blue-tinted film stills within the oversized letters of “KING”. Below, De Niro stands in a bright red suit with both hands raised, isolated in a pool of light against a black background. His theatrical pose and sharply defined shadow convey Pupkin’s imagined moment of triumph.

The Japanese title appears in pale blue beneath the English lettering. Beside De Niro, the white vertical tagline translates as: “Rather than end up at rock bottom, I want to be king—even for just one night!”

Across the bottom, the poster advertises the film as the 1983 Cannes Film Festival opening selection. A smaller line records participation in Japan’s 1983 Agency for Cultural Affairs Arts Festival, while the credits identify Shochiku-Fuji as distributor.

A distinctive piece for collectors of Martin Scorsese, Robert De Niro and classic American cinema, combining bold typography with one of the film’s most recognisable promotional images.

Excellent overall condition. Light handling creases, faint horizontal creasing and minor surface and edge wear are visible. The black background and vivid red central figure retain strong visual impact, and the poster should display beautifully once framed.

Please review both photographs, including the reverse, as they show the exact poster offered.

Format: Japanese B2, approximately 51 × 73 cm.
Stock code: T21.

It is not a reproduction or a reprint.

Certificate of Authenticity included.