Steve Martin brings new 'Panther' to Berlin fest

BERLIN — Steve Martin says Inspector Clouseau of "Pink Panther" fame is "the comedian's Hamlet," and he's unfazed by poor reviews for the bumbling detective's latest outing.

Martin came to the Berlin film festival Friday with "The Pink Panther 2," directed by Harald Zwart, which is showing out of competition at the event.

"To me, Inspector Clouseau is the comedian's Hamlet," Martin said at a news conference. "It's one of the most difficult roles to play, I think."

Martin shrugged aside critical barbs for the new film, a sequel to 2006's "The Pink Panther."

"I have received bad reviews my whole life," he said. "I received bad reviews when I started with my standup act. 'The Jerk' — one of my most enduring comedy films — was universally panned in America, and comedies always have to overcome critical comedy."

"Comedy is not a critics' medium," he added. "It just isn't."

Martin was joined in Berlin by Jean Reno, who plays Clouseau's partner, and Bollywood star Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, cast as one of a squad of international detectives.

"It's simple, it's sweet, it's innocent fun," Rai said. "I'm glad I was part of this film."