Characters of fear
In Alexander Mackendrick’s 1957 classic, Sweet Smell of Success, the character of J.J. Hunsecker is extremely powerful, respected and lonely. This is also true of the character Jerry Langford in Scorsese’s 1983 film, The King of Comedy. Both character’s share positions of supremacy and therefore can be easily contrasted with reference to their similarities and differences.
J.J. is the most powerful newspaper columnist in New York, thus yielding authority with his command over the press. Jerry is a famous talk show host and comedian (i.e. “The King of Comedy”) and therefore his power lies within the control over the entertainment business. How is this sense of power similar between characters? Both characters have the ability to make or break someone in their respective fields. For example in Sweet Smell of Success, J.J. has the ability to help press agent, Sidney Falco, by his control over The New York Globe and what gets published. J.J. then uses this leverage to his advantage by employing Sidney for his own devices. Similarly, in The King of Comedy, Jerry has the authority to make Rupert Pupkin a successful comedian by allowing him to perform on his show. Jerry denies this of Rupert until the stakes are high and it’s a matter of life or death. At this time Jerry uses his power to save his own life. Although these men are both in similar hierarchal positions, they are viewed differently by the public and those around them. Both men are respected, however this is shown differently. With J.J. the respect of others stems solely from fear. People are afraid of a king who is manipulative, corrupt and known to play dirty. Thus, he is respected because he demands it. For example when J.J. says; “Sidney, this syrup your giving out with… you pour over waffles, not J.J. Hunsecker”, this shows Sidney that J.J. is not to be messed with and that he will not except any nonsense from those around him. J.J. has also
J.J. is the most powerful newspaper columnist in New York, thus yielding authority with his command over the press. Jerry is a famous talk show host and comedian (i.e. “The King of Comedy”) and therefore his power lies within the control over the entertainment business. How is this sense of power similar between characters? Both characters have the ability to make or break someone in their respective fields. For example in Sweet Smell of Success, J.J. has the ability to help press agent, Sidney Falco, by his control over The New York Globe and what gets published. J.J. then uses this leverage to his advantage by employing Sidney for his own devices. Similarly, in The King of Comedy, Jerry has the authority to make Rupert Pupkin a successful comedian by allowing him to perform on his show. Jerry denies this of Rupert until the stakes are high and it’s a matter of life or death. At this time Jerry uses his power to save his own life. Although these men are both in similar hierarchal positions, they are viewed differently by the public and those around them. Both men are respected, however this is shown differently. With J.J. the respect of others stems solely from fear. People are afraid of a king who is manipulative, corrupt and known to play dirty. Thus, he is respected because he demands it. For example when J.J. says; “Sidney, this syrup your giving out with… you pour over waffles, not J.J. Hunsecker”, this shows Sidney that J.J. is not to be messed with and that he will not except any nonsense from those around him. J.J. has also