Carson Clay is a major character in the 2007 comedy film Mr. Bean's Holiday. He is an American filmmaker who makes a vanity project entitled Playback Time.
He was portrayed by Willem Dafoe.
Biography[]
He is first seen early in the film being interviewed on the news, with Sabine by his side. The photographers attempt to take his picture, but are interrupted by Mr. Bean as he walks in the way, irritating Carson.
He is later seen shooting a commercial for Frutzi Yoghurt at a remote country village. The commercial involves a waitress (played by Sabine) who is trying to brave through an army attack in order to get a taste of the yoghurt. Mr. Bean oversees the commotion and, thinking it is really happening, attempts to save Sabine. Carson halts filming and has one of his assistants hire Bean as a soldier. During the second take of filming, Bean tries to film the scene himself by attaching his own camera to his gun, but Carson has him fired for it. During the third take of filming, Bean realises his camera is on low battery, so he unplugs the power to the special effects machines in order to charge his camera. Carson becomes infuriated when the miniature explosion (which was meant to be part of the commercial) does not go off. After Bean unplugs his charged camera, Carson attempts to active the effects himself, but results in an explosion which injures him, sending an ambulance rushing.
After he is aided from his injury, he is seen (now appearing to have a broken arm) attending the premiere of his new film Playback Time at the 2007 Cannes Film Festival, along with his unnamed girlfriend, and Emil Dachevsky. He shows the audience his film, much to their boredom. When Sabine arrives, she is disappointed that her role has been cut, until Mr. Bean sees Carson holding a camera onscreen, giving him an idea. Bean sneaks into the projection room and plugs his camera into the projector, causing it to play Bean's footage whilst Carson's narration plays, which matches surprisingly well and causes the audience to become more interested. Carson tells his guards that something is not right, and has them break into the projection room to dispose of Bean. Bean escapes and runs onto the stage by accident, shortly to be confronted by a livid Carson. However, when the public cheers to the both of them, Carson has a change of mind and heart, and hugs Bean in thankfulness.
At the end of the film, Carson is interviewed about his film's success, explaining that he wants to continue his career with more similar films. He later appears at the beach, filming his girlfriend with Mr. Bean's cinematography techniques, inspired by him. He is last seen singing along with the closing song sequence of "La Mer".
Personality[]
Carson Clay is shown to be rather arrogant and strict. However, although he was angry at Bean at first for ruining his film, he hugs Bean when the audience gives a standing ovation showing that he can be a grateful person.
Trivia[]
- Mel Gibson was originally considered for the role, possibly because the film was initially to be set in Australia.