'The King of Comedy', directed by Martin Scorsese, stars Robert De Niro, Jerry Lewis and Sandra Bernhard in a darkly comedic exploration of fame and obsession. The plot revolves around Rupert Pupkin (De Niro), an aspiring comedian who dreams of stardom and resorts to extreme measures to achieve his goal.

• Relevance of Themes: The film's exploration of the pursuit of fame over perfecting one's craft and the desire for instant recognition mirrors today's social media-driven culture obsessed with the idea of overnight success, disregarding the dedication required to truly excel.

• Influence on Modern Cinema: It's influence can be seen all over 'Joker', which echo its themes of societal neglect and the dark side of the pursuit of fame. Scorsese's film was ahead of its time in predicting the consequences of the intoxicating allure of fame.

• Robert De Niro's Performance: De Niro's portrayal of Rupert Pupkin is uncomfortably mesmerizing. His cringe-worthy desperation for recognition makes him compelling to watch, capturing the essence of a man consumed by his delusions of grandeur.

• Supporting Cast: Sandra Bernhard delivers a career-best performance, perfectly capturing the intensity and madness of famous obsession. Jerry Lewis' portrayal of a weary, resigned celebrity provides a poignant counterpoint to their manic ambition.

Through its incisive commentary, stellar performances by De Niro and Bernhard, and Jerry Lewis's grittiness, the film offers a timeless critique of today's celebrity culture. Scorsese crafts a narrative that is as hilarious as it is poignant.

'The King of Comedy' is a masterful satire that resonates even more in the age of viral fame.