Watch Zoolander
- R
- 2001
- 1 hr 29 min
-
6.5 (298,022)
Zoolander is a satirical comedy film from 2001, directed by and starring Ben Stiller as the eponymous character "Derek Zoolander." Owen Wilson and Christine Taylor also star in the film. The movie is set in the world of high fashion and revolves around the life of Derek Zoolander, a world-famous male model who has been reigning supreme over the fashion industry for years. However, his career is threatened when up-and-coming model Hansel (Owen Wilson) challenges his title as the industry's top male model. The two are constantly pitted against each other in photo shoots and fashion shows, leading to a fierce rivalry.
As the two continue to compete, they become unwitting pawns in a larger conspiracy that involves fashion industry magnate Mugatu (Will Ferrell). Mugatu is seeking to brainwash Derek into being the assassin of the Prime Minister of Malaysia, who opposes child labor practices in the fashion industry. As Derek becomes more and more entrenched in the conspiracy, it becomes clear that he is in over his head, and only Hansel and his love interest, journalist Matilda Jeffries (Christine Taylor), can save him.
The film is a send-up of the fashion industry, lampooning everything from the absurdity of the modeling world to its self-seriousness. Derek Zoolander is portrayed as a clueless and vain caricature of a male model, often repeating his signature âBlue Steelâ pose for the cameras.
Other characters in the film are similarly ridiculous, such as Mugatu's flamboyant assistant, played by Milla Jovovich, and Derek's dim-witted but lovable rival, Hansel.
Despite being a comedy, the film also touches on some serious issues surrounding the fashion industry, such as the use of child labor and the dangerous effects of anorexia on young models. The satire is not heavy-handed, however, and the film maintains a lighthearted tone throughout.
Zoolander was released to mixed reviews but has since become a cult classic. It spawned a sequel, Zoolander 2, in 2016, and cemented Ben Stiller's status as a leading comedic actor.
Zoolander is a 2001 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 29 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5 and a MetaScore of 61.
