The Jerk – 30 Years Later
Nearing its 30th Anniversary, Carl Reiner‘s The Jerk still holds a relevant platform for discussing what it really means to be a jerk. In every sense of the word, including stupidity and ill will.
Congressman Joe “You Lie!” Wilson, Rock-n-Roller Ike Turner, Professional Footballer Terrell Owens, New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin, and Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez are a few who come to mind as potential “jerk”-type figures worthy of some note.
But Steve Martin‘s frank and crass representation of The Jerk goes well beyond the oft-used term to a deeper understanding of what stereotypes, ignorance, bigotry, and demagoguery can produce when someone seeks to be a product of rude and mindless sociopathic behavior.
My favorite quotes from The Jerk:
Mother: Navin, it’s your birthday, and it’s time you knew. You’re not our natural-born child.
Navin R. Johnson: I’m not? You mean I’m gonna STAY this color?
Motel Guest: Don’t call that dog “lifesaver;” call him “shithead”.
Navin R. Johnson: First I get my name in the phone book and now I’m on your ass. You know, I’ll bet more people see that than the phone book.
Navin R. Johnson: Lord loves a workin’ man; don’t trust whitey; see a doctor and get rid of it.
