In his series, Rowan Atkinson, who plays Mr. Bean, does not speak much. In the episode Mr. Bean Goes to Town, the character barely speaks, even when he has to talk to a police officer or to a shoe seller (“Mr. Bean Goes to Town”). I think that Mr. Bean should speak exactly as much as he does. People all over the world love him for his character, charisma, and silent humor. The series’ satire does not need translation, as it does not need words to make anyone laugh. In addition, the absence of words helps the audience to pay more attention to Mr. Bean’s vivid mime and facial expressions, which convey his feelings and emotions. Atkinson’s character is unique and different from many other people, he finds extraordinary and often absurd solutions to his problems, making the audience laugh. As Mr. Bean does not say much, there is no wrong way to interpret his actions. His words do not distract viewers from the comedy and its goal of being a mirror to society.
It is also necessary to mention that the absence of words allows the series to reflect the silent comedy of the beginning of the last century. It would be easier to make the audience laugh from jokes, while silent comedy involves bold facial expressions, vivid emotions, and exaggerated physical movement. It means that the value of the silent film is high as the actors should do their best to help the reader understand the humor of the story. Therefore, Mr. Bean’s series are notable for their absence of words, and the character should not speak more. Otherwise, Mr. Bean’s stories would stop being the ones that do not need a translation.
Work Cited
“Mr Bean Goes to Town.” YouTube, uploaded by MrJimmyrain69. 2012, Web.