The Jerk
1979ComedyDirected by Carl Reiner
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Synopsis
"The Jerk," a classic comedy directed by Carl Reiner and starring Steve Martin, follows the misadventures of a lovably clueless man named Navin R. Johnson, played by Martin. Released in 1979, this cult favorite features a stellar cast including Catlin Adams, Bernadette Peters, and Mabel King. Navin embarks on a hilarious journey from rags to riches, as he navigates various eccentric characters and absurd situations with his trademark naive charm. As Navin stumbles through a series of odd jobs and comical mishaps, he finds unexpected success and love along the way. Bernadette Peters shines as his romantic interest, bringing heart and humor to their quirky relationship. With its witty humor and memorable one-liners, "The Jerk" remains a timeless comedy that continues to delight audiences of all ages. This enduring classic showcases Steve Martin at the height of his comedic talents, delivering a performance that is both endearing and uproariously funny. Filled with quotable moments and unforgettable scenes, "The Jerk" is a must-watch for anyone in search of a lighthearted and entertaining film experience.
This synopsis is generated with AI assistance for entertainment purposes only. For official information, please refer to the movie's official sources.
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TML Review
TopMovieList exclusive verdict👍
Highly Recommended
👍 A solid film worth your time with notable strengths. While not perfect, it offers substantial entertainment value.
Movie Details
- Release Year
- 1979
- Runtime
- 1h 34m
- Genre
- MPAA Rating
- R
Ratings & Box Office
- TML Score
- 67/100
- IMDb
- 7.1/10
- Metascore
- 61.0/100
- Box Office
- $73,691,419
Collectibles & Reads
Director
Main Cast
4 cast members
F.A.Q.
Q:What innovative filming technique was used in 'The Jerk' that contributed to its comedic style?
A:
In 'The Jerk', director Carl Reiner employed a unique use of subjective camera techniques, where the camera occasionally adopts the point of view of Steve Martin's character, Navin Johnson. This method was relatively innovative for comedic films at the time and added a quirky, immersive element to the humor.
Q:Were there any significant improvisations by Steve Martin in 'The Jerk' that made it to the final cut?
A:
Steve Martin, known for his improvisational skills, contributed significantly to the script during filming. One of the most famous lines, 'I was born a poor black child,' was actually improvised by Martin, capturing the absurdity and humor of his character's obliviousness.
Q:How did 'The Jerk' handle controversy and censorship upon its release?
A:
Upon release, 'The Jerk' faced criticism and censorship due to its portrayal of race and identity, particularly the opening scenes where Steve Martin's character, Navin, is unaware of his racial identity. Despite the controversies, the film managed to become a cult classic, often praised for its satirical take on societal norms and personal identity.
The FAQ section is generated with AI assistance for entertainment purposes only. For official information, please refer to the movie's official sources.
Trivia
🎬The dog named Shithead, who plays a significant role in 'The Jerk', was actually a rescue dog found by the crew, adding a layer of authenticity and charm to the character's on-screen bond.
💡The scene in which Navin discovers his rhythm by listening to jazz music was inspired by Steve Martin's real-life experience of finding his comedic timing while learning to play the banjo.
🎯The gas station where Navin works in 'The Jerk' was an actual functioning station in Los Angeles, chosen for its quintessential American look and feel, which added a realistic backdrop to the film's early scenes.
The trivia section is generated with AI assistance for entertainment purposes only. For official information, please refer to the movie's official sources.
