Zoolander (2001)

2.5 out of 4

Starring: Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson, Christine Taylor, Will Ferrell, Jerry Stiller, Milla Jovovich, David Duchovny

Director: Ben Stiller

Time: 85 mins

Ben Stiller's film career may not yet be as successful as other comedians like Eddie Murphy or Robin Williams, but his penchant for putting himself into excruciating and embarrassing circumstances has endeared him to audiences over the last few years. Witness the mega-hits, There's Something About Mary (1998), where he got his private parts caught in his zipper, amongst other painful happenings, and last year's Meet The Parents, which pitted him against Robert De Niro, as perfect examples of his work. Now there is Zoolander, a movie that contains some inspired comedic moments, as well as many mediocre ones, that results in a veritable mixed bag of missed opportunities. It could have been a very funny film in the Austin Powers vein, but instead turns out to be only average.

Derek Zoolander (Stiller) is a male model in New York who has perfected a look (the "Blue Steel") that has won him Male Model of the Year honours several years in a row. Now he is challenged by hippie upstart Hansel (Owen Wilson), whose effortlessness on the catwalk causes Derek to take a long, hard look at himself. Meanwhile, a nefarious plot to assassinate the Malaysian prime minister is being hatched by fashion designer Mugatu (Will Ferrell), who fears that the prime minister's plan to raise wages for those working in sweatshops may reduce Mugatu's own profits. His dastardly plan is uncovered by reporter Matilda Jeffries (Christine Taylor), who enlists both Zoolander and Hansel to help her. Will a growing attraction between Zoolander and Matilda get in the way? Or will Hansel and Zoolander be able to put aside their rivalry long enough to stop Mugatu's plan?

Zoolander parodies the high gloss world of modelling in the same way Mike Myers' Austin Powers took a poke at James Bond movies. The results aren't entirely successful, but there are a couple of very funny moments set to 80s standards like Wham's "Wake Me Up Before You Go Go" and Frankie Goes To Hollywood's "Relax". Stiller, who also co-wrote the script, throws lots of jokes at the audience, but unfortunately the majority of them don't work. Still, it's fun to see many celebrities playing themselves in quick cameos, notably Winona Ryder, David Bowie, Natalie Portman, Cuba Gooding, Jr., and even romance novel coverguy Fabio.

The acting is over-the-top and often outrageous, but I suppose that's what's needed to induce the laughs in this type of film. Stiller won't win any acting awards for his portrayal of Zoolander, but he's fairly funny when he needs to be. Owen Wilson fares better as the laidback model who's into alternative lifestyles, and follows on from his scene-stealing work in last year's Shanghai Noon. Stiller's real-life wife, Taylor, injects sweetness and appeal into what could have been a thankless role as the female reporter; she plays off Stiller's neurotics and Wilson's laconic musings quite well. Saturday Night Live stalwart Will Ferrell is so over-the-top in his role he becomes annoying, in a way, which is a pity. Ferrell may not be a brilliant comedian, but he has a lot to offer if given the right material (people who are aware of his cheerleader and other routines on SNL may agree with me). Also look for former X-File star David Duchovny in a minor role as a former model who knows of the conspiracies that go on in his industry, as well as former model Milla Jovovich in a striking role as a dominatrix-type henchperson for Ferrell's Mugatu.

Zoolander is not a great comedy, but it comes at the right time for a country (and world) still shaken by the tragic events on September 11, 2001. It has enough laughs and escapism to take one's mind away, at least for a little while. For those needing a reason to laugh again, Zoolander offers more than a few.

(c) Joe Wong (14 October 2001)