Bean (film)

Bean movie poster

Bean (film) is a 1997 British-American comedy film directed by Mel Smith and written by Robin Driscoll and Richard Curtis. The film stars Rowan Atkinson in the title role as Mr. Bean, a character that Atkinson had made popular on the British television series Mr. Bean. The movie marks the character's first appearance on the big screen. In Bean, the bumbling Mr. Bean is sent to the United States to represent the Royal National Gallery in transferring the famous painting Whistler's Mother to a Los Angeles museum, leading to a series of comedic mishaps.

Plot

The film opens with Mr. Bean working as a guard at the Royal National Gallery in London, where his peculiar methods of carrying out his duties irritate the gallery's board of directors. Seeking to get rid of him without firing him, the board sends Bean to the United States under the guise of an art scholar to oversee the transfer of Whistler's Mother to the Grierson Art Gallery in Los Angeles. Upon arrival, Bean is met by David Langley (Peter MacNicol), a curator of the Grierson, who has offered to host Bean during his stay. Bean's lack of understanding and eccentric behavior quickly create chaos in David's life, both at home and at work, leading to a series of comedic and disastrous events. Despite the mayhem, Bean inadvertently manages to endear himself to the Langley family and even helps mend their strained relationships.

Cast

• Rowan Atkinson as Mr. Bean
• Peter MacNicol as David Langley
• John Mills as Chairman of the Royal National Gallery
• Pamela Reed as Alison Langley
• Harris Yulin as George Grierson
• Burt Reynolds as General Newton

Production

Bean was produced by Working Title Films and distributed by PolyGram Filmed Entertainment in the United Kingdom and Gramercy Pictures in the United States. The film's production involved transitioning the character of Mr. Bean from the small screen to a feature film format, which required expanding the character's world and interactions while maintaining the essence that had made him popular. Filming took place in various locations, including London and Los Angeles, to authentically capture the settings of the film's plot.

Reception

Upon its release, Bean received mixed reviews from critics but was a commercial success, grossing over $250 million worldwide against a budget of approximately $18 million. Critics praised Atkinson's performance and the film's humor, though some felt that the transition from short, episodic comedy to a full-length feature did not entirely work. Despite the mixed critical reception, Bean has retained a fan base and is considered a cult classic in the comedy genre.

Legacy

The success of Bean led to a sequel, Mr. Bean's Holiday, released in 2007, which saw Mr. Bean on a misadventure in France. The character of Mr. Bean has become an iconic figure in British comedy, recognized worldwide for his unique brand of silent comedy and physical humor. The film and its sequel have contributed significantly to the character's enduring popularity.