Released at the tail end of the 1970s, The Jerk is a time capsule of an era when absurdist humor was starting to break into the mainstream. Steve Martin, fresh off his white-suit stand-up fame, made his big-screen debut as Navin R. Johnson—a well-meaning dimwit whose journey from humble beginnings to sudden fortune (and back again) is as ridiculous as it is entertaining. The film is pure chaos, held together by Martin’s commitment to the character and a willingness to lean fully into the nonsensical.
The comedy is broad and purposefully silly, with deadpan gags, slapstick, and offbeat dialogue that still manages to land decades later. While some of the jokes are unmistakably from another time—both in pacing and sensibility—they represent a very specific flavor of late ’70s comedy: loose, unpredictable, and often delightfully strange. It’s a film that doesn’t ask for logic, only that you go along for the ride.
What helps it endure is how earnestly the cast sells the madness. Martin’s performance walks a fine line between naive and heartfelt, making Navin more than just a walking punchline. Bernadette Peters adds balance with her gentle delivery and musical moments that give the film unexpected warmth. Their chemistry offers a strange but sweet core to what is otherwise a full-blown farce.
Back in 1979, critics weren’t sure what to make of it. Roger Ebert called it repetitive and pointless, while others saw Martin’s brand of comedy as a fresh jolt to Hollywood’s system. Over time, however, The Jerk has grown into a cult favorite. Modern critics often praise it for its influence on surreal comedies that came after, and it’s now seen as an early example of the kind of offbeat humor that defined a generation. It’s not without its quirks and awkward spots, but viewed in context, it stands as a snapshot of comedy evolving.
All these years later, The Jerk still delivers big laughs if you’re in the mood for something off-the-wall and unfiltered by today’s standards. It’s goofy, weird, and proudly so. A comedy landmark for its time, with just enough heart to keep it grounded. Final score: 7.8 out of 10.
Media Credits: Rotten Tomatoes Classic Trailers