Rowan Atkinson discusses Mr Bean inspiration at Purbeck Film Festival

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 20 Oct, 06:20 · Archive

Rowan Atkinson appeared at the Purbeck Film Festival in Swanage to discuss how Jacques Tati's Mr Hulot inspired his character Mr Bean.

Rowan Atkinson captivated a packed audience in Swanage at the Purbeck Film Festival, appearing as a special guest for a screening of Jacques Tati's Mr Hulot's Holiday at The Mowlem. Following the screening, Atkinson took part in an onstage interview with cultural historian Matthew Sweet.

Atkinson shared how Tati's work and the character of Mr Hulot helped inspire the creation of Mr Bean. He said: 'Seeing the film again tonight, I can see where I got my inspiration from. It was more consistently funny than I remembered.' He first saw Mr Hulot's Holiday at the age of 17, projected onto the wall of his school room, and described watching it on the big screen at the Mowlem as a joy.

During the conversation, Atkinson described Mr Hulot as 'warm, funny, gangling and fundamentally decent', contrasting it with Mr Bean, which he admitted was 'a much less charming character'. He also discussed the role of sound in silent comedy and shared behind-the-scenes stories from both Mr Hulot's Holiday and his own 2007 film, Mr Bean's Holiday. Atkinson has created two Mr Bean films, 14 television episodes, and 186 cartoon shows featuring the character.

Next year Atkinson will return to the London stage with Rowan Live, a new show featuring classic sketches alongside new material, including appearances from Mr Bean, Blackadder, and favourites from Not the Nine O'Clock News.

How it is being reported

• Rowan Atkinson delights packed Swanage audience as part of Purbeck Film FestivalRowan Atkinson discusses Mr Bean, Jacques Tati and Mr Hulot’s Holiday at Dorset’s Purbeck Film Festival, ahead of his return to the London stage next year.Bournemouth Echo · 20 Oct, 05:00
• Rowan Atkinson delights packed Swanage crowd as part of Purbeck Film FestivalRowan Atkinson discusses Mr Bean, Jacques Tati and Mr Hulot’s Holiday at Dorset’s Purbeck Film Festival, ahead of his return to the London stage next year.Dorset Echo · 20 Oct, 05:00

In this story: Rowan Atkinson · Jacques Tati · Matthew Sweet · Swanage · The Mowlem · Purbeck Film Festival

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