After developing his big-hearted, but simple-minded male model character and bringing him to television in two short films (Derek Zoolander: Male Model [1996] and Derek Zoolander University [1997]), Ben Stiller also wrote, produced, directed, and starred in the big screen version of Zoolander (2001). This far-fetched spoof of male modeling pits former three-time male model of the year Derek Zoolander (Stiller) against up-and-coming star of the runway, Hansel (Owen Wilson).
The Brainwashing of Ridiculously Good Looking Male Models
In addition to the two men swapping juvenile barbs and facing each other in a modeling walk-off, Derek must also address several important issues. His forgotten heritage (a family of coal miners), the death of his best friends (in an absurd gas station accident), a manipulative magazine reporter with her own beauty issues (Christine Taylor), and the crazed designer Mugatu (Will Ferell) who wants to turn Derek into a mindless killing machine are just a few of the pressures weighing down the handsome simpleton in designer leather pants.
The entire brainwashing of male models into deadly assassins is as complicated as it is ridiculous. Aided by his sadomasochistic assistant (Milla Jovovich), Mugatu plans a desperate attempt to rejuvenate his career through murder, mischief, and a fashion show highlighting the homeless look. The story and characters stretch so far beyond the limits of reality that the complications and ridiculousness become a large part of the film’s charm.
Zoolander: A Case of Opposites Attracting
After Matilda (Taylor) ridicules Derek in her magazine article – out of guilt and maybe a perverse reporter’s curiosity – she begins researching the mysterious deaths of young male models. Convinced that Derek’s life may be threatened, she becomes the brains for his brawn and aids him in solving the bizarre scheme set in motion by Mugatu.
The dim-witted Derek and the savvy Matilda make an extremely odd pair, but somehow manage to find common ground – beyond just eating disorders. Meant to be more comical than romantic, Stiller and his off-screen wife Taylor play it for laughs rather than any real attempt to light up the screen with chemistry or passion. Wilson plays Hansel to perfection as an air-headed new-age phony who offers Derek some stiff competition.
Very funny, and sometimes quite sweet, the film Zoolander provides an entertaining romp down the runway, and the DVD version comes packed fuller than a model’s makeup kit full of extras. With so much going on, it might take repeated viewings to get all the jokes.
- Zoolander (Special Collector’s Edition)
- Director: Ben Stiller
- Run Time: 89 minutes
- Rating: PG-13 (sexual content and drug references)
- Bonus Features: Commentary by Ben Stiller and Writers Drake Sather and John Hamburg; 5 Deleted Scenes With Commentary by Ben Stiller; 5 Extended Scenes With Commentary by Ben Stiller; Outtakes; 2 Original Skits From the VH1/Vogue Fashion Awards, 1996, 1997; Music Video “Start the Commotion” by the Wiseguys; Promotional Spots; Photo Galleries; Alternate End Title Sequence.
Leslie C. Halpern - Leslie C. Halpern, Romantic Films/Comedies Topic Editor, authored Passionate About Their Work, Reel Romance, & Dreams on Film.
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