Steve Martin Critical Essay | Critical Essay by Susan Peterson

Critical Essay by Susan Peterson

The nature of Steve Martin's humor defies pat definition. He wanders from downright silly sight gags such as repeated bumbling with the microphones to ironic quips about every subject imaginable (car seats to solar energy heat), to quirky musical excursions on the banjo somewhat reminiscent of the early Smothers Brothers.

All is executed from a rather mock-humble stance, with Martin himself professing to be uncertain as to why he makes people laugh. It could be, he claims, the pieces of bologna he puts in his shoes before going on stage.

The audience is led to attribute its appreciation of this madness to not only the humorist's, but also its own loony sense of humor. It is Martin's endearing gift to have succeeded in confirming that sense of fun in those present. (pp. 35, 37)

Susan Peterson, "Steve Martin, Liberty," in Billboard, Vol. 89, No. 7, February 19, 1977, pp....
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