Steve Martin Stars In Classic Comedy On Netflix That Could Never Be Made Today
Released in 1979 and starring Steve Martin, The Jerk is lauded as an iconic American comedy. While reflecting its era, the film’s enduring humor has captivated audiences for over 40 years. Despite its contemporary controversies, the movie is currently available to stream on Netflix.
The Jerk, starring Steve Martin, is a comedy classic that crosses every line and boundary, doubles-back, and then crosses them again.
In The Jerk, Steve Martin plays Navin R. Johnson, a guileless white man raised by a black family. Navin’s naive journey begins when he leaves home, driven by the rhythm of a Lawrence Welk song, believing there’s more to life than his familiar surroundings.
Venturing into the world, he soon finds himself in St. Louis, working at a gas station, where he devises the Opti-Grab, an invention for eyeglasses that unexpectedly brings him an immense fortune.
However, Navin’s world takes a tumultuous turn when the Opti-Grab leads to a massive lawsuit, stripping him of his newfound wealth and causing personal upheavals. Throughout the film, Navin grapples with love, identity, and an unanticipated threat from a deranged sniper. The narrative culminates with touching moments, showcasing the importance of family and genuine relationships.
While Steve Martin is undoubtedly the star of The Jerk, the film boasts an impressive cast that enriches its comedic flair. Bernadette Peters plays Marie, Navin’s love interest, creating a quirky and lovable pairing with Martin. The film’s supporting cast includes M. Emmet Walsh as Madman, Mabel King and Richard Wars as Navin’s mother and father, Bill Macy as Stan Fox, and Catlin Adams as Patty Bernstein.
Carl Reiner, known for his work on iconic comedies like 1983’s The Man with Two Brains and 1987’s Summer School, directed The Jerk. The screenplay was written by Steve Martin, Michael Elias, and Carl Gottlieb. The combined experience of this creative team contributes to the film’s unique voice and style, with Martin’s comedic influence evident throughout.
The Jerk received widespread acclaim from critics and audiences upon its release. With scores of 83 percent from critics and 84 percent from audiences on Rotten Tomatoes, it’s celebrated for its unabashedly bold humor. The film is widely recognized as a brilliant comedic showcase for Steve Martin.
Released on December 14, 1979, The Jerk became a significant box office hit. Ranking as the eighth top-grossing movie of that year, it raked in over $73 million domestically and reached a global total of $100 million. With its modest $4 million budget, the movie stands as one of Steve Martin’s most profitable projects to date.
The Jerk was a smash hit, earning $100 million at the box office in 1979, and is still one of Steve Martin’s most successful films.
Interestingly, Stanley Kubrick, celebrated for directing intense films like The Shining and Full Metal Jacket, was a surprising fan of The Jerk. He reportedly often quoted the film to his cast and crew. Legend has it he even invited Steve Martin for a game of chess.
The Jerk, while amassing a significant fanbase, including admirers like Stanley Kubrick, hasn’t escaped controversies. Due to its sensitive subject matter, producing such a film in today’s climate would be challenging. Several reasons contribute to its potentially divisive reception in contemporary times.
The Controversies Of The Jerk
The movie frequently faces criticism for its racial humor, notably Steve Martin’s character, Navin, mistakenly believing he’s black despite being white. Such humor is often perceived as insensitive today, especially in light of a heightened understanding of cultural appropriation and racial issues. Additionally, the movie’s use of characters rooted in offensive stereotypes has also garnered disapproval.
With that said, The Jerk remains an integral part of American comedy cinema, largely thanks to Steve Martin’s impeccable comedic timing and the film’s fearless approach to humor.
While it’s undoubtedly a product of its era, the reasons it would likely not be made today serve as a testament to the ever-evolving landscape of film and comedy. As with any classic, it’s essential to view The Jerk in the context of its time, appreciating its genius while also understanding its imperfections.
Among the vast comedic selections on Netflix, The Jerk distinguishes itself as a must-see, standing tall amidst modern comedies. Its enduring appeal can be attributed to Steve Martin’s hysterical performance, seamlessly complemented by acclaimed actors like Bernadette Peters, M. Emmet Walsh, Catlin Adams, and Mabel King.
In an age where streaming platforms continually refresh their catalogs, seizing the opportunity to relish this iconic film on Netflix before it potentially disappears is a choice every cinema enthusiast should make.
