Navin Johnson, a white man raised by black sharecroppers, leaves his family home to find his purpose in the world. With a "special purpose" and a naive outlook, he drifts through a series of absurd jobs and encounters, including falling for a sultry lounge singer and becoming a target for an assassin. His journey is a chaotic and hilarious exploration of a man utterly oblivious to social norms and his own lack of talent.

The Jerk was a commercial success and is considered a cult classic, solidifying Steve Martin's transition from sketch comedy to film stardom. While initial critical reception was mixed, it has since been widely praised for its absurdist humor and Martin's breakout performance.

• Praised for its relentless and often surreal comedic premise.
• Steve Martin's physical comedy and charismatic performance as the naive protagonist are highlighted as major strengths.
• Some critics found the humor to be occasionally over-the-top or uneven.

Google audience: Audiences generally love The Jerk for its pure, unadulterated silliness and Steve Martin's hilarious portrayal of an incredibly clueless character. Many appreciate the quotable lines and the film's ability to provide consistent laughs.

The film's iconic "eyes wider than a New York State license plate" line was a spontaneous addition by Steve Martin during filming, inspired by a real-life experience.