The Jerk [M]

A homeless and dirty “jerk” living on the sidewalk tells his story: being raised “a poor, black child”, discovering his adoption, and then setting out into the world to find his destiny; discovering along the way fame, fortune, loss, and love. 

Film debut for actor/writer Steve Martin, The Jerk was hugely misunderstood when it was first released, but then it was slowly appreciated that the films’ concept of an idiot living his dream was ahead of its time. The rags to riches to rags story is one that has since then, been taken and adapted time and time over and the basic story still tickles a wide variety of audiences. The Jerk is delightfully silly and overacted, and hard to comes to grips with at the beginning. But once the random and stupid humour gets under the skin, the film becomes just a joyous ride from one impossible scene to another. I enjoyed it greatly. 

A homeless and dirty “jerk” living on the sidewalk tells his story: being raised “a poor, black child”, discovering his adoption, and then setting out into the world to find his destiny; discovering along the way fame, fortune, loss, and love. 

The basic story lends itself to wonderful comedic interpretation with plenty of room for intellectual and slapstick humour. What is also very lovely about the film is its subtle by apparent messages about things in life that outdo wealth and respect: family and love. Going in one big circle, finally ending where it began, the film is one big fair ride that jolts and jumps, creating momentary moments of discomfort, but then absolute pleasure. 

The humour is random and silly with most it stemming from the performance of Steve Martin who plays Navin, the hero: beginning the film as a slow and loveable idiot, and ending up just an idiot. Yet throughout the entire film he retains an adorable naivety and even when he’s being a real jerk, it’s impossible to feel hatred or even annoyance towards him. 

Starring Bernadette Peters, Catlin Adams, Mabel King, Richard Ward, Dick Anthony Williams, Bill Macy, Dick O’Neill, Maurice Evans, Helena Carroll, Ren Woods, Pepe Serna, Sonny Terry, Brownie McGhee, and Jackie Mason, The Jerk is a surprisingly delightful little film that’s filled with dreams, destiny, romance, family, and all manner of silly comedy. A little tricky to get the gist of at first, it very quickly gets under your skin and you’re eager to find out what happens next.