Cast
View All
Steve Martin
as Navin R. Johnson
Bernadette Peters
as Marie Kimble Johnson
Catlin Adams
as Patty Bernstein
Mabel King
as Mother
Richard Ward
as Father
Carl Gottlieb
as Iron Balls McGinty
Dick Anthony Williams
as Taj
Bill Macy
as Stan Fox
M. Emmet Walsh
as Madman
Dick O'Neill
as Frosty
Maurice Evans
as Hobart
Helena Carroll
as Hester
Ren Woods
as Elvira
Pepe Serna
as Punk #1
Sonny Terry
as Blues Singer
Crew
Director
- Carl Reiner
Producer
- David V. Picker
- William E. McEuen
Reviews
Wuchak
***Steve Martin’s breakout comedy***
A homeless mentally-challenged man (Steve Martin) shares his amusing tale of rags-to-riches-to-hobo with flashbacks. Catlin Adams plays a stunt rider at a carnival who has the hots for Navin (Martin) while Bernadette Peters plays a more important woman in his life.
“The Jerk” (1979) has several laugh-out-loud scenes like the eventual confrontation between Patty (Catlin) and Marie (Peters), but there are also some flat, overlong parts, like when Navin departs the mansion in the last act. “Forrest Gump” (1994) was obviously inspired by “The Jerk” and made a more serious, popular picture. Jim Carrey also took a lot of inspiration from Martin and “The Jerk” to forge the even funnier “Ace Ventura: Pet Detective” (1994).
The movie runs 1 hour, 34 minutes and was shot in the Los Angeles area.
GRADE: B
Feb 25, 2019
Thematic Analysis
The Jerk represents a fascinating example of Comedy cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on interpersonal relationships and emotional connections. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Carl Reiner brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1979, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Jerk took approximately 3 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $4.0 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
- The final cut of the film runs for 94 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 116 minutes long.
- The film contains approximately 1001 individual shots.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 9 months to complete.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 4 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 1979, when this film was released:
- The Watergate scandal changed public perception of political institutions.
- Economic recession and oil crises were affecting global economies.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Jerk shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Tobacco Road, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Jerk subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like 2nd Serve and Take Me to Tarzana explore similar territory, The Jerk stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: December 14, 1979
- Runtime: 1h 34m
- Budget: $4,000,000
- Revenue: $100,000,000
Where to Watch
