In the annals of cinematic history, few films have managed to etch themselves into the collective consciousness quite like "There's Something About Mary." This 1998 romantic comedy, a true trailblazer in its genre, burst onto screens with an audacious blend of heartfelt romance and unapologetically outrageous humor, instantly becoming a cultural phenomenon. It wasn't just a movie; it was a statement, a comedic blueprint that dared to push boundaries and challenge conventional notions of what a romantic comedy could be.
Directed by the visionary Farrelly Brothers, Bobby and Peter Farrelly, the film masterfully navigates the tricky waters between genuine affection and laugh-out-loud slapstick. It stars Cameron Diaz as the titular character, Mary, an object of desire for a parade of peculiar suitors, alongside Ben Stiller, Matt Dillon, and Lee Evans, all vying for her affection. "There's Something About Mary" didn't just entertain; it redefined the landscape of romantic comedy, paving the way for a raunchier, more honest, and often hilariously uncomfortable brand of humor that would influence countless films to follow.
Table of Contents
- The Unforgettable Premise: A High School Crush Revisited
- A Star-Studded Ensemble: The Cast That Made It Work
- Outrageous Humor and Iconic Scenes
- Commercial and Critical Acclaim: A Box Office Juggernaut
- Redefining Romantic Comedy: A Lasting Legacy
- Availability and Accessibility Today
- Conclusion: A Masterpiece of Modern Comedy
The Unforgettable Premise: A High School Crush Revisited
At its core, "There's Something About Mary" is a classic tale of unrequited love and second chances, albeit one drenched in the Farrelly Brothers' unique brand of absurdity. The story centers on Ted (Ben Stiller), a self-proclaimed geek in high school who, against all odds, gets a chance to go to the prom with Mary (Cameron Diaz), his dream girl. However, their date is cut short by an utterly humiliating and excruciatingly painful incident involving a zipper and Ted's anatomy, leading to a trip to the hospital and a lifetime of trauma for poor Ted. The film boldly opens with this scene, immediately setting the tone for the kind of daring humor to expect.
Years later, Ted is still haunted by the memory of Mary and that disastrous night. Unable to move on, he decides to hire Pat Healy (Matt Dillon), a sleazy private investigator, to track her down. This decision ignites the central conflict of the film, as Pat, upon finding Mary, becomes instantly smitten himself. What follows is a hilarious and increasingly convoluted battle for Mary's affection, with Ted and Pat becoming fierce, albeit often incompetent, rivals. The plot thickens with the introduction of other suitors, including the eccentric British architect Tucker (Lee Evans), who also falls head over heels for Mary, adding layers of deception and comedic chaos. Mary lives with her stepfather, Charlie (Keith David), and her mother, Sheila Jensen (Markie Post), whose presence adds to the domestic backdrop of Mary's seemingly idyllic life.
The genius of the premise lies not just in the competition for Mary's heart, but in the sheer lengths to which these men go, often resorting to elaborate lies and schemes, creating a snowball effect of misunderstandings and hilarious mishaps. The film's R rating (1 hour 58 minutes of romantic comedy) signals its commitment to pushing boundaries, promising a viewing experience that is anything but predictable.
A Star-Studded Ensemble: The Cast That Made It Work
The success of "There's Something About Mary" rests heavily on the shoulders of its perfectly cast ensemble. Cameron Diaz, as Mary, is the radiant, seemingly perfect woman around whom all the madness revolves. Her portrayal is key; Mary is genuinely kind, beautiful, and utterly oblivious to the bizarre lengths men go to win her over, which makes her all the more endearing. Diaz brings a natural charm and warmth to the role, making her a believable object of obsession despite the escalating absurdity around her.
- At Home Photo Booth
- The Real Cast Members
- Maria Zakharenko
- Cameron Brink Body
- Jennifer Love Hewitt Today
Ben Stiller, as Ted, delivers a masterclass in neurotic, sympathetic comedy. His character is the quintessential "nice guy" who just can't catch a break, making his journey both relatable and incredibly funny. Stiller's ability to convey awkwardness and vulnerability while enduring one humiliation after another is central to the film's appeal. Matt Dillon, as the morally questionable private investigator Pat, plays the charming yet deceitful antagonist with relish, his smooth exterior barely concealing his true intentions. Lee Evans, as the quirky architect Tucker (who has his own secrets), adds another layer of brilliant physical comedy and unexpected twists to the narrative.
Chris Elliott, as Ted's best friend Dom, also plays a crucial role, often preparing to get Ted into even more trouble. The film's strength lies in how these multiple characters and their subplots intertwine, thickening the plot and creating ample space for comic sequences and humor to fit in. This ensemble dynamic ensures that the film is fast-paced, with a gripping screenplay that relies on flat-out childish humor throughout its course.
The Farrelly Brothers' Signature Touch
Directed by Bobby Farrelly and Peter Farrelly, "There's Something About Mary" is a quintessential Farrelly Brothers film. Known for their unique brand of gross-out humor combined with surprisingly sweet and often heartwarming narratives, the Farrellys had already made a name for themselves with films like "Dumb and Dumber." With "Mary," they perfected their formula, demonstrating an uncanny ability to balance shocking gags with genuine character development and emotional resonance.
Their direction is confident and unafraid to push boundaries. They understand that true comedy often lies in discomfort, and they exploit this with precision. Yet, they never lose sight of the characters' humanity, ensuring that even the most outrageous scenarios feel grounded in some form of relatable human experience. Their vision allowed the cast to fully commit to the absurdity, resulting in performances that are both hilarious and memorable. The Farrellys’ influence on the romantic comedy genre cannot be overstated; they proved that "raunchy" and "romantic" were not mutually exclusive terms.
Outrageous Humor and Iconic Scenes
"There's Something About Mary" is renowned for its outrageous humor and a string of iconic, unforgettable scenes that have become part of cinematic lore. The film contains several such moments that are both shocking and uproariously funny, solidifying its place in comedy history. Perhaps the most infamous is the "zipper mishap" early in the film, where Ted gets his scrotum stuck in his zipper. This scene, born from a moment of panic (Ted was taking a leak, and the bathroom window opened right in front of Mary's room, leading her to mistakenly think Ted was masturbating to her), is a masterclass in cringe comedy, pushing the boundaries of what was acceptable in a mainstream romantic comedy. Ted's agonizing attempts to unzipp it, leading to his hospitalization, set the tone for the film's fearless approach to humor.
Another legendary scene involves Mary's unknowingly zany hairdo, the result of a misunderstanding where she uses a certain bodily fluid, mistaken for hair gel, to style her hair. Cameron Diaz's innocent portrayal of Mary sporting this bizarre hairstyle is a comedic stroke of genius, leading to one of the most iconic images from the film. The tranquilized dog, Puffy, and the subsequent scene with the vet, where the dog is hilariously thrown out a window, further exemplify the film's willingness to embrace slapstick and dark humor without apology. Even Mary's "retarded brother," Charlie, is integrated into the humor in a way that, while controversial for some, was seen by many as a surprisingly sensitive portrayal within the context of the film's over-the-top antics.
These scenes, among many others, showcase the film's ability to derive humor from uncomfortable situations, physical comedy, and character-driven misunderstandings. It's a testament to the Farrelly Brothers' comedic vision that these moments, while shocking, ultimately serve the narrative and contribute to the film's unique charm rather than feeling gratuitous.
Beyond the Gags: The Heart of the Rom-Com
While the outrageous gags and slapstick humor are what often come to mind when recalling "There's Something About Mary," it's crucial to acknowledge that beneath the surface, the film possesses a genuine romantic heart. Despite the lies, the deceit, and the escalating absurdity, Ted's initial and enduring love for Mary is sincere. His journey, marked by numerous setbacks and humiliations, is driven by a pure desire to reconnect with the girl he never forgot.
Mary herself, despite being the object of such intense and often dishonest affection, remains a character of integrity and kindness. Her innocence and good nature serve as a grounding force amidst the chaos. The film subtly explores themes of honesty versus deception in relationships, ultimately suggesting that genuine affection and sincerity are what truly matter. Ted's awkward but honest approach stands in stark contrast to the elaborate lies spun by Pat and Tucker, making his eventual pursuit of Mary all the more endearing. This balance between gross-out humor and a surprisingly sweet romantic core is what truly sets "There's Something About Mary" apart and contributes to its lasting appeal.
Commercial and Critical Acclaim: A Box Office Juggernaut
"There's Something About Mary" (1998) was not merely a film; it was a massive commercial and critical success. It grossed over $369 million worldwide against a budget of just $23 million, making it one of the highest-grossing films of 1998 and the fourth-highest-grossing R-rated comedy of all time at that point. This financial triumph underscored its widespread appeal and proved that audiences were hungry for a different kind of romantic comedy.
Critically, the film was also lauded, renowned for its outrageous humor, memorable performances, and lasting impact on comedy. Critics praised the Farrelly Brothers for their fearless direction and the cast for their impeccable comedic timing. Cameron Diaz received particular acclaim for her charming and natural performance, which solidified her status as a leading lady. Ben Stiller's portrayal of Ted was also highly praised for its relatable awkwardness. The film received numerous nominations and awards, including Golden Globe nominations for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy and Best Actress – Musical or Comedy for Cameron Diaz. Its success not only cemented the Farrelly Brothers' reputation but also demonstrated that a film could be both raunchy and incredibly popular, redefining the boundaries of the romantic comedy genre.
Redefining Romantic Comedy: A Lasting Legacy
The impact of "There's Something About Mary" on the landscape of romantic comedy is undeniable. Before its release, romantic comedies often adhered to a more saccharine, predictable formula. This film shattered those conventions, proving that a romantic narrative could coexist with and even be enhanced by extreme, often shocking, humor. It paved the way for raunchier, more irreverent comedies that weren't afraid to explore the messier, less glamorous aspects of love and relationships.
Its influence can be seen in countless films that followed, which adopted a similar blend of gross-out gags and genuine emotional stakes. The film demonstrated that audiences were ready for a more adult, less sanitized version of romance, one that embraced awkwardness, bodily functions, and uncomfortable truths for comedic effect. Yet, it never sacrificed its heart. The lasting legacy of "There's Something About Mary" lies in its ability to balance crude humor with an underlying sweetness, making it a benchmark for future romantic comedies that sought to push boundaries without losing their charm.
The Enduring Appeal: Why It Still Resonates
Decades after its release, "There's Something About Mary" continues to resonate with audiences, finding new fans while retaining its appeal for those who first experienced its unique brand of humor. Its enduring popularity stems from several factors. Firstly, the core themes of unrequited love, the desire for a second chance, and the lengths people go for affection are universal and timeless. Secondly, despite the often-outrageous scenarios, the characters are remarkably well-developed and relatable, making their absurd predicaments all the more engaging.
The film's humor, while shocking for its time, often holds up because it's rooted in character and situation rather than just shock value. The multiple characters and their subplots are key to its enduring appeal, as they thicken the plot and provide ample opportunity for comedic sequences. "There's Something About Mary" is fast-paced, with a gripping screenplay that ensures there's never a dull moment. It remains a go-to choice for those looking for a laugh, a bit of romance, and a reminder of a time when comedy dared to be truly audacious. While some might argue "there's nothing about Mary that is entertaining," the overwhelming commercial and critical success, along with its continued presence in pop culture, strongly suggest otherwise.
Availability and Accessibility Today
For those looking to revisit the hilarity or experience it for the first time, "There's Something About Mary" remains widely accessible. While there aren't any free streaming options for "There's Something About Mary" right now, the film is readily available for purchase or rent across various digital platforms. You can buy "There's Something About Mary" on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Fandango at Home, and Microsoft Store as a download. Alternatively, you can rent it on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Fandango at Home, Microsoft Store, and Spectrum on Demand online.
This widespread availability ensures that the film's legacy continues to be enjoyed by new generations of viewers. For a taste of the film's unique charm and outrageous humor, you can easily check out the official "There's Something About Mary" (1998) trailer starring Ben Stiller on various video platforms. Its continued presence on these platforms is a testament to its lasting popularity and demand.
Addressing the Dissenters: "Nothing Entertaining"?
It's rare for a film to achieve such widespread acclaim without encountering some level of dissent. Indeed, one of the provided sentiments suggests, "There's nothing about Mary that is entertaining. Stiller and Diaz are the main characters. It's a bit of romance, allegedly, but if you're looking for inspiration or chemistry or charm, forget it. Still, there's nothing wrong with the story." While acknowledging that taste in comedy is subjective, and not every film resonates with every individual, this perspective stands in stark contrast to the film's undeniable commercial success and critical adoration.
The very elements that this critique dismisses—the alleged lack of inspiration, chemistry, or charm—are precisely what many critics and audiences lauded. Cameron Diaz and Ben Stiller, as the main characters, were widely praised for their chemistry, portraying a believable and endearing connection amidst the chaos. The film's charm often comes from its willingness to be unpolished and its characters' relatable flaws. While it certainly isn't a traditional inspirational romance, its unique blend of heartfelt moments and boundary-pushing humor provided a different kind of cinematic "inspiration" for the genre. The fact that the story itself is deemed "nothing wrong" suggests that even for those who didn't find it entertaining, its narrative structure and execution were sound. Ultimately, the overwhelming consensus positions "There's Something About Mary" as a groundbreaking and highly entertaining piece of cinema, despite individual preferences.
Conclusion: A Masterpiece of Modern Comedy
"There's Something About Mary" is more than just a romantic comedy; it's a cultural touchstone that irrevocably altered the trajectory of the genre. Its audacious humor, coupled with genuinely endearing characters and a surprisingly sweet romantic core, created a cinematic experience unlike any other. From the unforgettable zipper incident to Mary's iconic "hair gel" moment, the film is packed with scenes that have become legendary in the annals of comedy.
Directed by the visionary Farrelly Brothers, and brought to life by a stellar cast including Cameron Diaz, Ben Stiller, and Matt Dillon, the film proved that audiences were ready for a bolder, more honest, and hilariously uncomfortable portrayal of love. Its massive commercial and critical success solidified its place as a groundbreaking work, influencing countless films and proving that true comedic genius lies in the fearless pursuit of laughter, no matter how outrageous. If you haven't seen it in a while, or if you're looking for a film that truly redefined what a romantic comedy could be, "There's Something About Mary" is an absolute must-watch. Let us know what you think in the comments below – what’s your favorite outrageous scene from the film?
