# The 1979 movie Steve Martin can’t bear watching: “I hate my performance”

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/the-1979-movie-steve-martin-cant-bear-watching-i-hate-my-performance/
- Published: 2026-10-31T21:15:00+00:00
- Updated: 2026-10-31T22:22:00+00:00
- Original publisher: Far Out
- Original article: https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/movie-steve-martin-cant-bear-watching-hate-my-performance/
- Topics: Art, Culture, Entertainment, Film

## Key points

- Steve Martin says he hates his performance in *The Jerk*.
- He thought he had to shout so film audiences could hear him.
- The 1979 comedy earned 25 times its budget.

## Summary

Steve Martin has criticised his performance in the 1979 comedy *The Jerk*, saying he dislikes how much he shouts throughout the film. The reaction contrasts with the film’s success: it was his first starring feature role, helped establish him as a screen actor and became one of the year’s best-known comedies.

Martin explained that, as a newcomer to film, he thought he needed to raise his voice so audiences could hear him, as they would in a live performance. Directed by Carl Reiner and co-written by Martin, *The Jerk* recouped its budget 25 times at the box office; its broad, absurd tone also made his loud portrayal fit the character and story.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.