It probably won't be remembered as a movie with a truckload of memorable quotes, especially from the lead character, vocabulary-challenged as he seems to be, but Mr. Bean's Holiday does contain some memorable views on life.

Recently, I rented a copy of Mr. Bean's Holiday. The film might have been made with some of the same goals as Napoleon Dynamite. I recall reading that its producers wanted to create a story that was interesting and successful without resorting to violence, profanity and sexual innuendo. Maybe another viewing or two will reveal something I've missed, but this film, it seems to me, fits neatly within the same framework.

At the same time, in the film Bean shines as an interesting role model. Not that you want to mimic his facial contortions in class this week, but he does some nice things for people. His presence in the movie reminds me of a saying attributed to Mother Theresa: “Never let anyone leave you without making them happier.” Bean is a master of making people happier.

First of all, he has a fantastic ability to be thrilled and grateful for small mercies. The trip he wins at the beginning of the film would probably be welcomed by anyone. But Bean's gratitude in winning is over the top. Ecstatic, he plans his journey meticulously. When his plans fall apart, he nevertheless soldiers on, taking pleasure in serendipitous consolations along the way. Yes, he takes a taxi to entirely the wrong drop off in Paris, but he enthusiastically embarks on an alternative method for getting to his destination.

He also loves making people happy. When he discovers that he has separated the film director, Emil, from his son, Stepan, he is overcome with remorse. So, he tries to cheer him up using comic faces. Later, realizing that he and Stepan are without money, he looks around for a way out of this dilemma. Spying some pretty successful buskers, he improvises his way into some air opera, making friends and fans instantly, and a tidy profit too.

Before the film is over, Bean has opportunity to rescue an actress from anonymity and a film producer from being laughed out of Cannes (though not from his narcissism). He not only strives to reunite Emil and Stepan, but he manages to launch a new genre of film into the mainstream.

I think that Mr. Bean could be nominated for special recognition as something like, Inspirational Coach of the Decade. He is grateful for the smallest things. He looks for the positive in distressing situations and becomes deliriously fulfilled when he realizes that he has increased the happiness of other people, even ones he barely knows.

I like to think that it is significant that the movie begins in a church; from that setting the possibilities for happiness open up. But, that may be reading too much into the filmmakers' intentions. Either way, the life lessons in Mr. Bean's Holiday are worth some attention. So, if you are looking for something to cheer up in the coming weekend, don't hesitate to pick it up.
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