This is one of the funniest movies ! Steve Martin not only was perfect as Navin, but he also wrote it.
So what happened to Steve Martin ? He hasn't been in anything which is even in the same league as this ! I don't even bother with his movies anymore.
His schtick got old.
"The Jerk" is a comedic masterpiece. In case you were wondering... that happens to be something that is kind of hard to replicate and/or outshine. Did Orson Wells ever make a movie that triumphed over "Citizen Kane"? What happened to that loser?
Martin has consistently been in a lot of good films over the years. While none may hail in comparison to "The Jerk", that's regardless, a pretty damn impressive achievement. It's also a little unfair to compare the rest of his resume to "The Jerk", which is arguably one of the top five comedies of all time(second only to "Caddyshack" in my opinion). Look at it this way. Steve had a good string of hits that followed his opus, not to mention supporting roles, snl stints, cameos, etc. He also manages to pop up year in and year out with plausible projects. Furthermore, as exhibited on this thread, his studious list of accomplishments cover a diverse base of appeal. So, don't saddle an author with a washed-up tag, just becasue they've failed to re-pen the Bible or Great Gatsby, yet continue to churn out quality product.
Steve Martin is both an icon and survivor, not too mention renaissance man. There should be worlds of praise applied to that notion alone. Especially, since he didn't pull a Chevy Chase and blow his load after early success.
To answer your question in one breath simple breath, I'll tell you what happened to Steve Martin: He became the Frank Sinatra of comedy.
"He was trying to fool, Lloyd Braun!"
Martin has consistently been in a lot of good films over the years
Planes Trains = 95 on Rotten Tomatoes
L.A. Story = 94
Parenthood = 92
Roxanne = 88
Hey, not everyone likes comedies. Or maybe you just have awful taste.
He turned into a Peter Sellers wannabee making lousy Pink Panther movies.
shareJust like Eddie Murphy, he sold out to the 'family movie' genre. Parenthood, Cheaper By the Dozen, etc... :(
shareTry planes trains and automobiles..
"People say I don't know a buttload of crap about the gospel.....but I do"
Theres only one other Steve Martin vehicle which is (at least) in the same class as The Jerk. The Man With Two Brains.
All his other stuff (even the good stuff like DRS or PT&A) pale by comparison.
They were clasics when I was a kid, and on recent viewing are still hilarious.
I find that ducks opinion of me is very much influenced over whether or not i have bread.
He became unfunny with age.
shareHe sure did. And it didn't help that he started doing VERY bad movies, most of which were cheesy family comedies. I think actors\comedians start to do that once the rest of the Hollywood producers can see he is no longer funny enough for any kind of audience who expects a truly funny comeday. So the only roles he's able to get are the ones that parents take their kids to see.
One exception to that (and the only one of his movies I think was actually funny) was Bowfinger. It wasn't a cheesy family movie, and he was pretty good in it. The irony to it is that Eddie Murphy was also in it - and I think his career is comparable to Steve Martin's. (no longer funny, and only in cheesy family movies).
I think he's still good, sure no one can be perfect forever but hey he's not bad.
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It definitely has nothing to do with age. Like you said, Rodney was still funny well into his 70's. If you're a great comedian then you always have "it", and don't just decide to go out to pasture and coast.
and I agree : Dirty Rotten Scoundrels & Bowfinger were both great. I was surprised with Bowfinger because I had written both Steve & Eddie off by the time it came out.
I think that Steve has a lot of other interests besides movies. Painting, art afficianado, writing. He is a real renaissance man. His newer movies are plain old pap. I wonder if he does them just for the money, because they're just NOT funny. I was at the LA County Museum of art and he was there for the Hockney exhibit. I wanted to shake his hand, but he turned away and almost ran away from me. I know some celebs do't like to interact with fans, but I wasn't going to "gush" over him, or even ask for an autograph. Disappointing.
shareNo one has mentioned "Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid" yet? For shame!
"'Extremely High Voltage.' Well, I don't need safety gloves, because I'm Homer SimpZZZXXX--" - Frank Grimes
Im gonna make you a cup of my famous java!
Well he's old now... and for the past few years has spend a lot of time with his old time passion... the Banjo :) I don't bear him any grudge for the bad movies he made.. He is still one of my favorite comedians... saw him the very first time back in the day in The Muppet Show... also why im still trying to teach myself playing the 5 string
Hollywood happened to him, in the same way it happened to Eddie Murphy and countless others. Success and money kill talent pure and simple.
'Even a stopped clock gives the right time twice a day'