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

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.