If you ever see a man in a suit sitting on top of a packed car with a teddy bear, don't be surprised. He is Mr. Bean, everyone's favorite British comedy character, who just celebrated his 25th birthday earlier this month. On that day, Atkinson, who played Mr. Bean, was dressed up as this famous character again and brought British people back to the funny old times. Though Atkinson is 60 years old now he looks just like the old Mr. Bean.
Mr. Bean first starred in a sitcom in 1990, and since then the funny guy has been a hit around the world. He is such a cultural idol that he even appeared at the 2012 London Olympics Opening Ceremony.
Mr. Bean is described as“a child in a grown man's body". He is clumsy (笨拙的) and hopeless in society. He causes trouble everywhere he goes, and the British think this is very funny.
He goes to the beach and tries to take off his trousers without a man standing close by seeing him. It turns out the man can't see at all.
For many Britons, making fun of yourself is a way of showing strength (长处) of character. People say Mr. Bean shows that Britons are good at laughing at themselves. It is a culture where mocking (嘲讽) is part of everyday life. If you fall over while walking with a British friend, instead of worrying about you, your friend may say, "Have a nice trip!"
French journalist Agnes Poirier thinks that Mr. Bean speaks for "Brutishness" to people around the world. "He is suffering all the time, making a fool out of himself and mocking others. He seems quite British because he's ill at ease(局促不安的) but extremely funny as well."
