1979 saw writer/star Steve Martin explode onto the big screen as The Jerk, a somewhat challenged individual who believed himself to be descended from an impoverished black family before the elders set him straight. From there he set off into the big wide world for a wild and crazy odyssey that made Forrest Gump look like Bear Grylls. Despite being supremely dozy, Navin proved surprisingly aware of his existence as a character. Carl Reiner's film opens with a down and out Johnson talking to the viewer, narrating the action as it calamitously unfolds. It was a genius move from a man who went on to dominate movie comedy for the next few years. The multi-talented comedian hasn't always struck gold since but while we're on the topic of being all self-referential let's mention Shopgirl - the 2005 adaptation of a novel by Steve Martin, with a screenplay by Steve Martin and starring... you've guessed it... Steve Martin!
I am a journalist and comedian who enjoys American movies of the 70s, Amicus horror compendiums, Doctor Who, Twin Peaks, Naomi Watts and sitting down. My short fiction has been published as part of the Iris Wildthyme range from Obverse Books.
