Jeff Daniels Reflects on Dumb and Dumber and Its Initial Backlash
Jeff Daniels reflects on the initial backlash faced by Dumb and Dumber despite its success, recalling critical reviews and memorable moments from the film's journey.
Jeff Daniels, now 69, has been reflecting on the impact of the 1994 comedy Dumb and Dumber as it celebrates its 30th anniversary. He recalls the negative critical reception it faced upon release, despite being a box office success.
In an interview with The Guardian, Daniels revealed he still keeps a scrapbook filled with around 200 newspaper reviews that harshly panned the movie. "I still have a scrapbook of 200 newspapers panning the movie and wishing it never existed," he shared.
Daniels, who starred alongside 63-year-old Jim Carrey in the Farrelly brothers' slapstick film, noted that it was particularly remarkable given his reputation as a serious actor. "Then we were the box office No 1 for six straight weeks. That's when it hit me that we'd done the impossible," he added.
Recalling a memorable screening moment, he said, "I was sat next to my parents and when we got to the toilet scene, my father hung his head in his hands and said: 'No, Jeffrey...' Meanwhile, 5,000 people fell out of their chairs laughing. The reviews were horrible though!"
The film, directed by Peter and Bobby Farrelly, follows two clueless friends on a road trip from Rhode Island to Aspen, Colorado, to return a briefcase filled with ransom money. Despite doubts regarding its potential, Jim Carrey fought for Daniels' role in the film, which nearly didn't happen due to hesitations from Daniels' agents.
Daniels reflects on their interaction, saying, "My agents didn't want me to do the film. They said, 'There's a chance Jim Carrey will wipe you off the screen.' I said: 'Maybe - but not if I work with him.' And that's what I did."
Over the years, Dumb and Dumber has become a comedy classic, spawning a prequel, When Harry Met Lloyd, in 2003, and a sequel, Dumb and Dumber To, in 2014, which brought Jim and Jeff back together.
In a recent interview with USA Today, Daniels expressed anxiety about how the infamous toilet scene might affect his career, saying, "Jim encouraged me to go all the way with it. In terms of comedic scenes, that toilet scene will probably outlive us. It will be funny 40 years from now."
