Something About Mary: The Enduring Legacy of the Cult Classic

For those who haven't had the pleasure of experiencing it, "Something About Mary" is a 1998 comedy film that quickly achieved cult status. The film stars Ben Stiller as Ted Stroehmann, a nerdy architect who is still pining for Mary Jensen (Cameron Diaz), his prom date from 13 years earlier. When Ted learns that Mary is getting married, he sets out on a road trip to win her back, accompanied by his best friend Dom (Seth Green) and a private detective (Matt Dillon).

The Magic of Cameron Diaz

Cameron Diaz's portrayal of Mary Jensen is widely regarded as one of her most iconic roles. Mary is a beautiful, free-spirited woman who is completely unaware of the effect she has on men. Diaz's infectious charm and comedic timing bring Mary to life, making her a character that audiences can't help but root for.

The Quirky Supporting Cast

In addition to Diaz, "Something About Mary" boasts a stellar supporting cast. Ben Stiller is perfectly cast as the awkward and lovable Ted, and Seth Green is hilarious as his loyal but dim-witted best friend, Dom. Matt Dillon also shines as the enigmatic private detective, Pat Healy.

The Unforgettable Scenes

"Something About Mary" is filled with memorable scenes that have become part of pop culture. From the infamous "hair gel" scene to the "zipless pants" scene, the film is packed with moments that will make you laugh out loud.

Why "Something About Mary" Matters

"Something About Mary" is more than just a silly comedy. The film has become a cultural phenomenon, inspiring countless references and parodies. It has also had a significant impact on the romantic comedy genre, proving that even the most absurd and outrageous stories can capture the hearts of audiences.

How "Something About Mary" Benefits

Here are a few ways that "Something About Mary" can benefit you:

• It will make you laugh until your sides hurt.
• It will remind you of the importance of friendship.
• It will teach you that it's never too late to go after what you want.

Tips and Tricks for Enjoying "Something About Mary"

To get the most out of "Something About Mary," try these tips:

• Watch it with friends or family. The film's humor is even funnier when shared.
• Don't take it too seriously. The film is meant to be enjoyed as a lighthearted comedy.
• Be prepared to laugh out loud. "Something About Mary" is one of the most quotable comedies ever made.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are a few mistakes to avoid when watching "Something About Mary":

• Don't expect a high-brow comedy. "Something About Mary" is a silly movie, and it's best to embrace its absurdity.
• Don't be offended by the film's politically incorrect humor. The film was made in the late 1990s, and some of its jokes may not be appropriate by today's standards.
• Don't try to analyze the film too deeply. "Something About Mary" is not a movie that requires a lot of thought. Just sit back and enjoy the ride.

FAQs

Q: What is the most famous scene in "Something About Mary"?
A: The "hair gel" scene is the most iconic scene in "Something About Mary." In this scene, Ted accidentally puts hair gel in his hair instead of mousse, resulting in a disastrous hairstyle that becomes a running gag throughout the film.

Q: Who directed "Something About Mary"?
A: "Something About Mary" was directed by the Farrelly brothers, Peter and Bobby Farrelly. The Farrelly brothers are known for their raunchy and outrageous comedies, such as "Dumb and Dumber" and "There's Something About Mary."

Q: How much money did "Something About Mary" make?
A: "Something About Mary" was a box office success, grossing over $369 million worldwide. It was the highest-grossing comedy film of 1998 and the highest-grossing film of the Farrelly brothers' career.

Q: Is "Something About Mary" a good movie?
A: "Something About Mary" is a classic comedy that has stood the test of time. It is a well-made film with a great cast, a hilarious script, and some of the most memorable scenes in comedy history. If you're looking for a good laugh, "Something About Mary" is definitely worth checking out.

Q: What are some of the most memorable quotes from "Something About Mary"?
A: "Something About Mary" is full of quotable lines, such as:

• "I'm like a reverse ATM. Instead of taking your money, I give you my money."
• "Is that the largest pair of testicles you've ever seen?"
• "I'm choking on clown puke!"
• "I'm sorry. Did I break your concentration? I didn't realize you were trying to balance a pencil on your nose."
• "I'm a pepper. I'm a pepper. I'm a pepper."

Q: What are some of the most common misconceptions about "Something About Mary"?
A: One common misconception about "Something About Mary" is that it is a gross-out comedy. While the film does contain some gross-out humor, it is not as over-the-top as some other Farrelly brothers films. Another common misconception is that "Something About Mary" is a sexist film. While the film does contain some sexist jokes, it is important to remember that the film was made in the late 1990s, and some of its jokes may not be appropriate by today's standards.

Q: What is the legacy of "Something About Mary"?
A: "Something About Mary" has had a lasting impact on popular culture. The film has been referenced in countless other movies, TV shows, and songs. It has also inspired a number of catchphrases, such as "I'm a pepper." "Something About Mary" is a classic comedy that continues to be enjoyed by audiences of all ages.

Tables

Table 1: Box Office Performance of "Something About Mary"

| Region | Box Office Gross |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $171,870,540 |
| International | $197,129,460 |
| Worldwide | $369,000,000 |

Table 2: Critical Reception of "Something About Mary"

| Critic | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Rotten Tomatoes | 98% |
| Metacritic | 76/100 |
| IMDb | 7.1/10 |

Table 3: Awards and Nominations for "Something About Mary"

Table 4: Cast and Characters of "Something About Mary"

| Actor | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Cameron Diaz | Mary Jensen |
| Ben Stiller | Ted Stroehmann |
| Seth Green | Dom |
| Matt Dillon | Pat Healy |
| Chris Elliott | Peter |
| Jeffrey Tambor | Sully |
| W. Earl Brown | Warren |
| Lauren Tom | Sue |
| Harland Williams | Herman |
| Sarah Silverman | Brenda |