"The Jerk": Read The Screenplay By Steve Martin and Carl Gottlieb & Michael Elias
Sometimes you pick a winner… sometimes you pick The Jerk.
"The Jerk" (1979) takes absurdist comedy to glorious new heights with Steve Martin’s Navin R. Johnson stumbling through fame, fortune, and the hazards of defective oil cans.
Written by Martin, Carl Gottlieb, and Michael Elias, this screenplay is a brilliant blueprint for running gags, satire, and heartfelt stupidity done right. A must-read for writers looking to craft laugh-out-loud comedy with surprising heart.
Let's take a closer look at the oil cans inside the final revised draft of the "The Jerk" screenplay. Courtesy of 8FLiX and Universal Pictures.
Discover More About "The Jerk" Screenplay
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Written by Steve Martin, Carl Gottlieb, and Michael Elias, "The Jerk" (1979) is a landmark in absurdist comedy. Beneath its slapstick surface lies a story that satirizes the American Dream while delivering timeless humor. From running gags to outrageous character arcs, the screenplay blends heart, satire, and pure ridiculousness into a comedy classic.
Screenwriting Takeaways: "The Jerk" (1979).
Steve Martin, Carl Gottlieb, and Michael Elias crafted a story that’s ridiculous on the surface but anchored in genuine sweetness. Navin’s naivety is funny, and disarming.
Screenwriting Takeaway:
- Balance outrageous humor with earnest character motivation.
- The audience forgives stupidity when it comes from sincerity.
Educator Breakdown.
He was born a poor black child… and became a legend of cinematic stupidity. "The Jerk" (1979) is more than slapstick, it’s a hilarious masterclass in how heart, absurdity, and fearless satire can turn a total moron into an unforgettable icon. This breakdown shows how far you can push comedy when you lean all the way in.
Take a look at "The Jerk" logline.
A simpleminded, sheltered country boy suddenly decides to leave his family home to experience life in the big city, where his naivete is both his best friend and his worst enemy. Universal Pictures
"The Jerk" Screenplay Details.
Whether you're a fan or an aspiring screenwriter, here are key insights to know.
To get "The Jerk" script now, keep scrolling until you see the READ / DOWNLOAD button. And, just a reminder, for a better understanding of our color-coded classifications, scroll a little further down until you find the "Glossary."
Okay, here are the facts:
| Type | ... |
SCANNED
|
| Version | ... | FinalRevised |
| Date | ... | 03.15.1979 |
| Pages | ... | 127 + 5 |
| Genres | ... | Comedy |
| Screenplay | ... | Steve MartinCarl GottliebMichael Elias |
| IMDb ID | ... | 0079367 |
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