Dumb and Dumber: Investigation into the Whimsy of Stupidity

Dumb and Dumber is a movie much maligned by some, and adored by many others. As its title implies, the humor revolves around two dolts who are so farcically dimwitted that they defy human logic at times. This was a launching pad for the career of Jim Carrey, following closely on the heels of his doltish Ace Ventura: Pet Detective. Jeff Daniels plays the less dumb of the duo, combining two promising talents in a decidedly goofball script. The results are more than what you’d expect.

This is a movie of jokes. The plot is less than spectacular, but one doesn’t expect the world in a movie as humble as this. There are sight gags, there are farts. There’s a love interest galaxies out of the protagonist’s league, kidnappers, a briefcase full of money, and a scene involving a police officer imbibing a recently urine-filled beer bottle. Why is Dumb and Dumber so special then, if there are scores of flaccid movies that incorporate these kinds of elements every year?

There’s a certain whimsy to the humor of Dumb and Dumber. Several instances don’t elicit guffaws or scoffs, but rather a warm chuckle that emanates forth after a few moments of absorption. A glowing example involves Carrey leaving a convenience store carrying a load of various snacks and do-dads. Two gentlemen are sipping beverages outside the store and showing the interest a child shows in a new toy, Carrey spouts “hey guys! Hey, big gulps, huh? All right! Well, see you later!” He then ascends the central vehicle in the movie, a full-size van covered in a gigantic furry dog decal and drives off. This utterly foolish throwaway scene is one of many that peppers this Farrelly Brothers picture, and adds a sincerity lacking in many gross-out comedies.