Why It Ranks
Zoolander proved that stupidity, executed with total commitment, is a valid art form. Blue Steel transcended the film. 'But why male models?' is the best accidental joke in comedy. The fashion industry satire has aged beautifully. Mugatu is Will Ferrell's most underrated villain.
The Film
Zoolander is the dumbest film on this list, and that is the highest compliment. Ben Stiller's Derek Zoolander — a male model so stupid he cannot turn left — is a comedy creation of such committed idiocy that the film becomes a kind of performance art. Will Ferrell's Mugatu is the best fashion villain ever conceived. The 'Blue Steel' face became a permanent cultural reference. The gasoline fight. The center for ants. 'But why male models?' — Stiller forgot his line and repeated the previous one, and it became the biggest laugh in the film.
Fun Facts
'But why male models?' was a genuine mistake — Stiller forgot his scripted line and just repeated the previous question, and the take was so funny they kept it.
The gasoline fight scene was set to 'Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go' — the irony of the Wham! song playing over an explosion was intentional.
The film was released two weeks after 9/11 and originally contained a scene of the Twin Towers — it was digitally removed.
David Bowie's cameo as the walk-off judge was filmed in a single day — Bowie improvised his judging criteria.
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