Episode 332 - The Jerk

This week, we turn our attention to one of the most gloriously idiotic masterpieces ever committed to film: Steve Martin’s The Jerk (1979). It's a story of rags to riches to rags to a thermos, starring a man who was born a poor Black child and somehow got even more confused from there. We revisit this iconic comedy that launched Martin from stand-up absurdist to full-blown movie star, and unpack why a film this aggressively stupid remains so brilliantly sharp. From Navin Johnson’s wide-eyed journey into the cruel, ridiculous world—complete with disco suits, dog heroism, and the invention of opti-grip—we ask the important questions: Is this still funny? (Yes.) Does it still make us cringe? (Also yes.) And how did they get away with that line? Expect vintage references, a shocking lack of subtlety, and deep appreciation for a movie that manages to satirize class, race, capitalism, and loneliness—mostly by accident. Come for the jokes, stay for the gas station sniper, and leave with a new appreciation for the rhythm method of filmmaking. Because sometimes, you just want to watch a man lose everything except his paddleball game and a chair. And sometimes, that’s enough. 0:00 - Intros 7:35 - OK Go - “Love” video 9:20 - Lady Gaga - Mayhem album 15:05 - Thunderball (1965) 21:30 - Midcentury Modern (Hulu) 25:55 - Vicious (ITV) 27:35 - Sexy Beast (Paramount+) 33:20 - The Jerk (1979)