Written by Valli Heil
Modified & Updated: 03 Mar 2024
Reviewed by Jessica Corbett
There’s Something About Mary, released in 1998, is a timeless comedy that has earned its place in movie history. Directed by the Farrelly brothers, Bobby and Peter, this film has become a cult classic, adored by audiences of all ages. Starring Cameron Diaz, Ben Stiller, and Matt Dillon, There’s Something About Mary effortlessly blends romantic comedy with outrageous humor, delivering unforgettable moments and catchy one-liners.
In this article, we will delve into 44 fascinating facts about There’s Something About Mary. From behind-the-scenes anecdotes to surprising trivia, we will uncover the secrets that make this film so beloved. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just discovering the movie, get ready to dive into the world of Mary and the hilarious misadventures that ensue.
Key Takeaways:
- “There’s Something About Mary” is a timeless comedy classic with iconic scenes and a star-studded cast, making it a must-watch for anyone in need of a good laugh.
- The film’s blend of humor and heart, along with its memorable quotes and characters, has solidified its place in popular culture and continues to entertain audiences of all ages.
The movie was released in 1998.
“There’s Something About Mary” first hit the theaters in 1998, captivating audiences with its hilarious and memorable moments.
Cameron Diaz’s iconic hair gel scene was improvised.
One of the most memorable scenes in the movie is when Cameron Diaz’s character, Mary, mistakes hair gel for something else. Surprisingly, this scene was improvised by Diaz herself!
Ben Stiller was the perfect choice for the role of Ted.
Ben Stiller’s portrayal of Ted, the lovable but awkward protagonist, was spot-on. His comedic timing and relatable performance contributed to the film’s success.
It was the highest-grossing comedy of 1998.
“There’s Something About Mary” struck a chord with audiences, earning over $360 million worldwide and becoming the highest-grossing comedy of 1998.
The Farrelly brothers directed the film.
The movie was directed by the talented duo, Peter Farrelly and Bobby Farrelly, known for their unique and outrageous comedy style.
The film was nominated for two Golden Globe Awards.
“There’s Something About Mary” received nominations for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy and Best Actress – Musical or Comedy for Cameron Diaz’s performance.
It features an all-star cast.
Aside from Cameron Diaz and Ben Stiller, the movie also starred Matt Dillon, Chris Elliott, and Lin Shaye, among others. Their chemistry on screen added to the comedic brilliance of the film.
The word “frank” is mentioned 87 times throughout the movie.
Keep your ears open while watching the movie because the word “frank” is said a staggering 87 times! It sure is a favorite word of the characters.
Some scenes were shot in Miami, Florida.
To give the movie an authentic and vibrant feel, some scenes were filmed on location in sunny Miami, Florida.
The film’s tagline is “Love is in the hair.”
The catchy tagline “Love is in the hair” perfectly captures the essence of the movie’s humorous and heartwarming storyline.
There were several title options before settling on the final one.
The movie originally had different working titles such as “The ben and mary project” and “Ted’s syndrome” before the filmmakers finally decided on “There’s Something About Mary.”
Jon Stewart turned down the role of Ted.
Jon Stewart was initially offered the role of Ted but turned it down. Luckily, Ben Stiller stepped in and brought his own unique charm to the character.
The movie marked Cameron Diaz’s breakout role.
“There’s Something About Mary” catapulted Cameron Diaz to stardom, solidifying her as a comedic talent to be reckoned with.
Keith David provided the voiceover for the film’s trailer.
If you noticed the familiar voice in the movie’s trailer, that was actor Keith David lending his deep and authoritative voice for the promotional material.
The iconic “tanning scene” was filmed in a real house.
The hilarious scene where Ben Stiller’s character gets caught naked in the tanning bed was filmed in an actual house in Miami. Imagine the surprise of the real homeowners!
The film’s humor is a mix of slapstick and wit.
“There’s Something About Mary” offers a perfect blend of physical comedy and clever humor, appealing to a wide range of comedy enthusiasts.
The film features a great soundtrack.
The movie’s soundtrack is filled with catchy and nostalgic tunes, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to the overall viewing experience.
It went through numerous script rewrites.
Before finalizing the screenplay, “There’s Something About Mary” underwent several revisions to ensure that the jokes and storylines were as funny and engaging as possible.
It has become a comedic cult classic.
Over the years, “There’s Something About Mary” has gained a large following who appreciate its timeless humor and memorable characters, solidifying its status as a cult classic.
The film tackles themes of love and self-acceptance.
Beyond the laughs, “There’s Something About Mary” explores themes of love, forgiveness, and accepting oneself, giving it a depth that resonates with audiences.
The opening scene was shot in Rhode Island.
The film’s opening scene, featuring Ted as a high school student, was shot in Rhode Island, the home state of the Farrelly brothers.
It features a memorable dog scene.
Who could forget the scene with the dog named Puffy? This comedic and outrageous moment adds to the film’s overall charm and entertainment value.
The movie underwent an extensive casting process.
Before settling on the final cast, the filmmakers considered numerous actors for various roles, ensuring they found the perfect fit for each character.
Brett Favre made a memorable cameo appearance.
Professional football player Brett Favre made a hilarious cameo in the film, playing a fictional version of himself that added an extra layer of humor.
“There’s Something About Mary” has inspired catchphrases.
The movie gave birth to popular catchphrases like “Is that… hair gel?” and “You don’t need a toaster to cook a burger.” These lines have stood the test of time and are still quoted by fans today.
It was praised for its balance of raunchiness and heart.
“There’s Something About Mary” struck a delicate balance between risqué humor and genuine emotional moments, making it a standout comedy in the genre.
The infamous hitchhiker scene was improvised.
The scene involving the hitchhiker, played by Harland Williams, getting injured was entirely improvised, resulting in one of the film’s most unpredictable and hilarious moments.
Roger Ebert gave the film a perfect rating.
Renowned film critic Roger Ebert gave “There’s Something About Mary” a four-star rating, praising its comedic timing and its ability to appeal to a wide range of audiences.
It was nominated for several MTV Movie Awards.
The movie received multiple nominations at the MTV Movie Awards, including Best Female Performance for Cameron Diaz and Best Comedic Performance for Ben Stiller.
There are hidden Easter eggs throughout the film.
Pay close attention while watching “There’s Something About Mary” as there are several hidden Easter eggs and nods to other films, making it a delight for observant viewers.
The film features a memorable dance-off.
Get ready to laugh as Matt Dillon’s character engages in a memorable dance-off in an attempt to win Mary’s heart. The scene is both hilarious and endearing.
It was filmed in both Florida and California.
To capture the various settings of the story, the filmmakers filmed scenes in both Florida and California, giving the movie a diverse and visually appealing backdrop.
The movie was a critical and commercial success.
“There’s Something About Mary” received positive reviews from critics and was a box office hit, further cementing its place in comedy film history.
The movie has memorable and quotable lines.
“You have some… shmear?” and “Is it the frank or the beans?” are just a couple of the memorable lines that have become popular catchphrases among fans.
It features a star-studded cast of comedic actors.
In addition to the main cast, the film also features cameos from prominent comedic actors such as Sarah Silverman, Richard Jenkins, and Jeffrey Tambor.
It spawned a short-lived TV spin-off.
In 1998, a short-lived TV spin-off titled “Mary” was created, attempting to capture the success of the movie, but it failed to resonate with audiences and was canceled after a few episodes.
The film’s humor is often described as cringe-worthy but endearing.
The humor in “There’s Something About Mary” can be described as a delicate balance of cringe-worthy and endearing, with moments that make you laugh out loud while also making you empathize with the characters.
The movie’s poster became iconic.
The poster for “There’s Something About Mary,” featuring Cameron Diaz with her iconic hair, became instantly recognizable and has since become a pop culture icon.
It remains a classic example of Farrelly brothers’ comedy.
“There’s Something About Mary” showcases the signature humor of the Farrelly brothers, known for their irreverent and unforgettable comedic style that challenges social norms.
The film tackles sensitive subjects with humor.
“There’s Something About Mary” fearlessly addresses sensitive subjects such as stalking, disability, and romantic competition, using humor as a way to bring light to these topics.
The soundtrack features a mix of popular songs from the 1980s.
The film’s soundtrack is a nostalgic trip down memory lane, with songs like “Every Little Thing She Does is Magic” by The Police and “Build Me Up Buttercup” by The Foundations.
The film’s humor holds up even after decades.
Even after over two decades, the humor in “There’s Something About Mary” remains fresh and hilarious, proving its timeless appeal to audiences of all ages.
It was a breakthrough film for the Farrelly brothers.
“There’s Something About Mary” marked a significant milestone in the careers of the Farrelly brothers, establishing them as prominent figures in the comedy genre.
It continues to be quoted and referenced in popular culture.
The impact of “There’s Something About Mary” is evident in its continued presence in popular culture, with references and quotes still being used today, showcasing the film’s lasting influence.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “There’s Something About Mary” is undoubtedly a memorable and beloved movie that has left a lasting impression on audiences since its release in 1998. With its unique blend of comedy, romance, and unapologetic humor, the film has solidified its place in cinematic history. From the hilarious and outrageous situations to the stellar cast performances, it continues to entertain and captivate viewers of all ages.The success of the movie can be attributed to its clever writing, top-notch direction, and the genuine chemistry between the actors. The story leaves a lasting impact with its relatable themes of love, self-discovery, and the power of second chances. “There’s Something About Mary” remains a classic example of a romantic comedy that stands the test of time.So, if you haven’t seen this film yet, do yourself a favor and give it a watch. It’s a guaranteed laugh-out-loud experience that will leave you quoting iconic lines for years to come. “There’s Something About Mary” is truly a must-see for any movie enthusiast.
FAQs
Q: Who directed the movie “There’s Something About Mary”?
A: The movie was directed by the talented duo, the Farrelly brothers, Bobby and Peter Farrelly.
Q: Who stars in “There’s Something About Mary”?
A: The film features an incredible cast including Cameron Diaz, Ben Stiller, Matt Dillon, and Chris Elliott, among others.
Q: What genre is “There’s Something About Mary”?
A: “There’s Something About Mary” is primarily classified as a romantic comedy, with elements of slapstick humor and satire.
Q: When was the movie released?
A: The film was released on July 15, 1998.
Q: Is “There’s Something About Mary” suitable for all ages?
A: While the movie is known for its humor, it contains adult content and may not be suitable for young audiences. Parental guidance is advised.
Q: Is there a sequel to “There’s Something About Mary”?
A: No, there is no sequel to this movie. However, the film’s success has inspired other comedies to follow a similar style and tone.
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