Bean 1997
Directed by
Mel Smith
Made by
Gramercy Pictures (I)
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of Bean (1997). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
Mr. Bean, an eccentric caretaker at the British National Gallery in London, finds himself on the verge of losing his job due to his lack of professionalism, often opting to sleep rather than work. However, the Chairman of the board, who has a fondness for Rowan Atkinson, decides against firing him. Instead, the board chooses to send Mr. Bean to Los Angeles, where he must represent the gallery at an important conference regarding their latest acquisition, the illustrious painting “Whistler’s Mother,” valued at a staggering $50 million, thanks to the donation from military officer General Newton.
Upon his tumultuous arrival in L.A., chaos ensues when a trick involving his pocket gun inadvertently triggers a terrorist alert at LAX. In an effort to help, David Langley, the curator of the downtown museum, invites Mr. Bean to stay with his family. However, this decision leads to increasing tensions within David’s household. His wife, Alison, perceives Mr. Bean as somewhat slow-witted, especially after he accidentally destroys a cherished frame gifted by her mother, prompting her to take the children and leave the house.
At the museum, the director, well aware of the significance of the unveiling, has his reservations about Mr. Bean’s suitability for the task. Yet, David remains steadfast in his support for Bean. An outing to an amusement park results in Bean’s arrest for (mis)managing the controls of a ride, which turns dangerously chaotic. The situation takes a turn for the worse when the museum director and his wife come over for dinner, and Bean’s cooking skills lead to a microwave catastrophe with a turkey.
As the unveiling of “Whistler’s Mother” approaches, David learns that Bean is neither a doctor nor an art expert, but it’s too late to change course. When left alone with the painting to prepare for his speech, Mr. Bean accidentally gets an ink stain on it and, in a misguided attempt to clean it, erases the face of Whistler’s mother using spandex. In a panic, David hides the marred painting behind a security door, intended for unveiling the next day. After a long night filled with drinks, David discovers his wife, Alison, is back home only to leave again, heartbroken by his drunken state.
Feeling guilty, Mr. Bean breaks into the gallery that night and replaces the damaged painting with a poster he decorates to mimic the original. As the unveiling event progresses, Bean’s unpretentious speech is surprisingly well-received. Just when things seem to be going smoothly, David learns that his daughter has been in a motorcycle accident, prompting a frantic rush to the hospital. Mistaken for a doctor, Mr. Bean is swept into the operating room, where he not only saves a wounded police officer but also miraculously brings David’s daughter out of her coma.
In a gesture of gratitude, Alison grants Bean an additional week with the family, leading to an unexpected friendship. As David expresses heartfelt thanks for Bean’s extraordinary contributions, Mr. Bean returns to London — only to discover the original defaced painting, now an unexpected yet cherished part of his life, adorning his bedroom wall.
Timeline
Track the key events of Bean (1997) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Mr. Bean Faces Job Loss
Mr. Bean, the quirky caretaker at the British National Gallery, is on the brink of losing his job due to his unprofessional behavior. Instead of firing him, the board decides to send him to Los Angeles to represent the gallery.
Travel to Los Angeles
Mr. Bean embarks on his journey to Los Angeles for an important conference concerning the acquisition of the painting 'Whistler's Mother'. His arrival is marked by chaotic events as he inadvertently causes a terrorist alert at LAX with a trick involving a toy gun.
Invitation to Stay
Curator David Langley, feeling sympathetic towards Mr. Bean, invites him to stay with his family. This act of kindness quickly leads to frustration within David's household, particularly from his wife, Alison, who sees Mr. Bean as a disruptive presence.
Culinary Catastrophe
During a dinner hosted for the museum director, Mr. Bean's cooking goes horribly wrong when he mistakenly destroys a turkey in the microwave. This incident further alienates Alison and prompts her to take the children and leave the house.
Chaos at the Amusement Park
In an outing to an amusement park, Mr. Bean's mismanagement of a ride leads to his arrest. This chaotic event escalates the tension as it demonstrates his lack of responsibility and further complicates David's life.
Painting Mishap
With the unveiling of 'Whistler's Mother' approaching, Mr. Bean accidentally causes an ink stain on the valuable painting. In a clumsy attempt to clean it up, he mistakenly erases Whistler's mother’s face using spandex, leading to a desperate situation.
Desperate Measures
In panic over the damaged painting, David hides it behind a security door meant for the upcoming unveiling. This act of deception sets high stakes for the event, creating tension for both David and Mr. Bean.
Unexpected Reunion
After a long night of drinking, David discovers that Alison has returned home. Unfortunately, their relationship remains strained as she decides to leave again due to emotional turmoil over David's state.
Late Night Break-In
Feeling guilty for the mess he made, Mr. Bean breaks into the gallery to replace the damaged painting with a cleverly decorated poster. This desperate act signifies his attempt to redeem himself before the unveiling.
Surprising Success
During the unveiling event, Mr. Bean delivers an unpretentious yet inspiring speech that unexpectedly resonates with the audience. This moment marks a turning point in his journey, earning him a degree of respect and admiration.
Emergency Hospital Trip
Hearing that David's daughter was in a motorcycle accident, Mr. Bean rushes to the hospital where he is mistakenly taken for a doctor. In a remarkable turn of events, he helps save a wounded officer and revives David's daughter from her coma.
Building Friendship
In gratitude for his heroics, Alison allows Mr. Bean to stay an extra week with the family. This duration fosters an unlikely yet heartwarming friendship between Mr. Bean and the Langley family.
Return to London
As the story wraps up, Mr. Bean returns to London after building bonds with the Langleys. His departure signifies a new chapter, reflecting on the relationships and experiences he gained during his time in Los Angeles.
A Cherished Memory
Upon arriving home, Mr. Bean discovers that the original defaced painting has found its way into his bedroom. This unexpected turn of fate links him to his adventures in Los Angeles and serves as a token of his journey.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring Bean (1997) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Mr. Bean (Rowan Atkinson)
Mr. Bean is an eccentric, bumbling character whose innocent yet oblivious demeanor leads to a series of comedic disasters. His quirky personality and unique problem-solving methods inadvertently affect those around him, often resulting in chaos. Despite his drawbacks, he displays a surprising depth of kindness and resilience.
David Langley
David Langley is a museum curator who finds himself playing host to Mr. Bean, often exasperated by his chaotic presence. Despite his frustrations, David demonstrates loyalty and a strong sense of duty, supporting Bean through the myriad of challenges they face together. His character evolves as he learns to appreciate Bean’s unique contributions.
Alison Langley
Alison Langley is David's wife, initially skeptical of Mr. Bean and viewing him as a nuisance. Her character represents the challenges of family dynamics when faced with unexpected guests. However, as events unfold, she gradually acknowledges Bean's unexpected heroism and becomes more accepting of his quirks.
Setting
Uncover the settings of Bean (1997), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
The era is contemporary, reflecting modern-day societal norms and advancements. The film captures a blend of comedic mischief and personal growth that resonates with audiences today.
Location
British National Gallery, London, Los Angeles, LAX
The British National Gallery in London is renowned for its vast collection of Western European paintings, making it a cultural treasure. Los Angeles serves as a vibrant backdrop, known for its entertainment industry and multicultural atmosphere. LAX, the main airport of Los Angeles, is a bustling hub that can sometimes be chaotic and unpredictable.
Themes
Explore the core themes of Bean (1997). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Chaos
Chaos is a central theme in the film, illustrated by Mr. Bean's clumsy antics that lead to misunderstandings and mayhem. From triggering a terrorist alert to inadvertently ruining a family's peace, Bean's presence incites disorder wherever he goes. Yet, amid the chaos, moments of heartfelt connections emerge.
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Friendship
The theme of unexpected friendship unfolds as Mr. Bean inadvertently wins over the hearts of the Langley family. Initially perceived with suspicion, he ultimately becomes a source of support and camaraderie, showcasing how bonds can form through shared experiences and challenges.
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Identity
Identity plays a crucial role, with Mr. Bean navigating his existence as an unconventional caretaker and artist. Mirroring the confusion around his role, his journey prompts questions about competence and acceptance in unfamiliar environments.
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