In the 1990s, Mr. Bean became a star using
mime to highlight difficult social situations
much as Charlie Chaplin had done. His method
of acting was to appear uncertain, look around
and then do exactly the wrong thing. Children
particularly would burst intolaughter at his
behavior. He always managed to pick out
those things that people are afraid of doing
because they do not want to appear a social
failure. On one occasion in a restaurant he
ordered a steak tartare. When the uncooked
meat arrived he was overcome by shame
because he could not eat it. He cut off a
piece of meat and pretended to chew a
mouthful but instead put it into the plant pot
beside him. He put other pieces into his pocket.
throughout the meal he seemed to show
great enjoyment in his food. He was such
an outstanding performer that when he
finished eating his dinner, the waiter offered
him the same dish again at no extra chare!