Woody Adjacent - Steve Martin, Bernadette Peters - The Jerk (1979)
Aug 28, 2023
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Steve Martin and Bernadette Peters join the podcast to discuss "The Jerk". They analyze the comedic style of Martin, especially his lack of depth in the film. The touching "Tonight You Belong to Me" scene is discussed along with differing opinions on the romance subplot. The structure and plot of the movie are compared to others of the era, noting its lack of sense yet enjoyable nature. The creation process of the film is explored, including Steve Martin's evolution as a writer and actor. Technical issues are mentioned, along with a request for support.
'The Jerk' showcases Steve Martin's wild and crazy persona from his stand-up career in a string of gags and sketches.
'The Jerk' serves as a launching pad for Steve Martin's successful movie career, highlighting his expansive comedic skills.
Deep dives
The Jerk: A Collection of Gags and Silly Humor
The 1979 feature film 'The Jerk' starring Steve Martin and directed by Carl Reiner is a classic comedy that showcases Martin's wild and crazy persona from his stand-up career. The movie follows a loose structure and is mostly a string of gags and sketches. While the story is nonsensical and lacks a cohesive plot, it still provides plenty of laughs with its offbeat and absurd humor. The romance between Martin's character and Bernadette Peters adds a touch of sweetness to the film. Steve Martin's performance as an aloof and silly character is impressive, considering his reputation as an intelligent and talented comedian. Overall, 'The Jerk' remains a beloved comedy that delights with its hilarious jokes and memorable moments.
Steve Martin's Transition from Stand-Up to Movies
Steve Martin, known for his successful stand-up career in the 1970s, made a seamless transition to movies with 'The Jerk' as his first starring role. In the film, Martin's character displays his trademark wacky and wild sense of humor, reflecting the persona that made him a popular comedian of that era. 'The Jerk' showcases Martin's expansive comedic skills in various sketches and gags throughout the movie. Although the story may lack a strong plot, Martin's performance as an eccentric and naive protagonist captures the essence of his stand-up routines. As Martin's career progressed, he matured as an actor and performer, navigating different genres and displaying his versatility. 'The Jerk' stands as a testament to Martin's early comedic talents and serves as a launching pad for his successful movie career.
Comparisons to Early Woody Allen Movies
When analyzing 'The Jerk', it is interesting to draw comparisons to early Woody Allen movies. Films like 'Bananas' and 'Sleeper' share a similar structure, presenting a string of gags and sketches that highlight the comedic talents of their respective stars. In particular, 'The Jerk' showcases a loose storyline with a focus on delivering constant laughs. Although Woody Allen's comedies often possess a more intelligent and sophisticated humor, they also feature elements of absurdity and silliness. While the romance in 'The Jerk' may not be as well-developed as in some of Allen's films, it adds a touch of sweetness to the story. Overall, both Woody Allen and 'The Jerk' rely on clever wordplay, physical comedy, and offbeat characters to create a distinctive and memorable comedic experience.
The Legacy of 'The Jerk'
Despite any narrative shortcomings, 'The Jerk' remains a beloved and respected comedy. Steve Martin's performance as the lovable fool is still admired today, showcasing his talent as an actor and comedian. The movie's structure, though loose, succeeds in delivering consistent laughs with its collection of gags and sketches. Furthermore, 'The Jerk' serves as a reminder of Steve Martin's impact on the comedy landscape, coming off the successful stand-up career that positioned him as a comedic force. The film's enduring popularity confirms its place in the pantheon of classic comedies and highlights Martin's significant contribution to the genre. 'The Jerk' continues to entertain audiences with its hilarious jokes and eccentric characters, solidifying its status as a genuine comedy classic.
On this episode of Woody Adjacent, James has chosen another Steve Martin film which is often hailed as one of his greatest and we had an interesting conversation about it - sadly the technical issues persist with the audio as we now deal with a recent bug caused by an apple update which we are still striving to fix
ThanksThe Jerk (1979) is a slapstick comedy film about a man who is born an idiot, but becomes a millionaire through a series of lucky accidents.
The cast includes Steve Martin, Bernadette Peters, M. Emmet Walsh to name just a few - please check out the links below for the full cast, user reviews, ratings and info you may find interesting
A VERY Special Thanks to The Woody Allen Pages Website & The Woody Allen Subreddit for the continued support and info – check them out for the latest from the Woody Allen Fan Community!!
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