Editing Shallow Hal

{{Short description|2001 film by Bobby Farrelly and Peter Farrelly}}
{{Use American English|date=January 2025}}
{{Infobox film
| name           = Shallow Hal
| image          = Shallowhalmovieposter.jpg
| alt            = A thin woman and a man hold hands, but her shadow against the wall is much larger than it should be
| caption        = Theatrical release poster
| director       = {{plain list|
* [[Peter Farrelly]]
* [[Bobby Farrelly]]
}}
| starring       = {{plain list| 
* [[Gwyneth Paltrow]] 
* [[Jack Black]] 
* [[Jason Alexander]]
* [[Joe Viterelli]] 
* [[Susan Ward]]
}}
| writer         = {{plainlist|
* Peter Farrelly
* Bobby Farrelly
* Sean Moynihan
}}
| producer       = {{plainlist|
* Peter Farrelly
* Bobby Farrelly
* [[Charles B. Wessler]]
* Bradley Thomas
}}
| music          = {{plainlist|
* William Goodrum
* [[Ivy (band)|Ivy]]
}}
| cinematography = [[Russell Carpenter]]
| editing        = [[Christopher Greenbury]]
| studio         = [[Farrelly brothers|Conundrum Entertainment]]
| distributor    = [[20th Century Fox]]
| released       = {{Film date|2001|11|9}}
| country        = United States
| runtime        = 113 minutes
| language       = English
| budget         = $40 million<ref name="numbers">{{cite web |title=Shallow Hal (2001) - Financial Information |url=https://www.the-numbers.com/movie/Shallow-Hal#tab=summary |website=[[The Numbers (website)|The Numbers]] |access-date=November 10, 2021 |archive-date=November 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110130257/https://www.the-numbers.com/movie/Shallow-Hal#tab=summary |url-status=live }}</ref>
| gross          = $141.1 million<ref name="mojo" />
}}
'''''Shallow Hal''''' is a 2001 American [[romantic comedy]] film starring [[Gwyneth Paltrow]] and [[Jack Black]] about a man who falls in love with a {{convert|300|lb|kg|abbr=off|adj=on}} woman after being [[hypnosis|hypnotized]] into only seeing a person's [[inner beauty]]. Directed by the [[Farrelly brothers]], it was filmed in and around [[Charlotte, North Carolina]] as well as [[Sterling, Massachusetts|Sterling]] and [[Princeton, Massachusetts]] at [[Mount Wachusett|Wachusett Mountain]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=August 19, 2014 |title=Hollywood Comes To Wachusett As Movie Crew Takes Over Mountain |url=https://www.snocountry.com/news/entry/hollywood-comes-to-wachusett-as-movie-crew-takes-over-mountain |access-date=July 24, 2022 |website=SnoCountry.com |language=en-gb |archive-date=July 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220724005015/https://www.snocountry.com/news/entry/hollywood-comes-to-wachusett-as-movie-crew-takes-over-mountain |url-status=dead }}</ref> The supporting cast features [[Jason Alexander]], [[Joe Viterelli]], and [[Susan Ward]]. ''Shallow Hal'' was released in theaters on  November 9, 2001 by [[20th Century Fox]], and grossed $141 million against a $40 million budget.

== Plot ==
Hal Larson spends his nights being rejected by beautiful women at night clubs with his friend Mauricio. He holds a steady job at JPS Funds, a financial institution run by president Steve Shanahan, but is dismayed after being denied a long-sought promotion. Hal is attracted to his neighbor Jill, who rejects him due to his shallow lifestyle. One day, Hal becomes trapped in an elevator with life coach [[Tony Robbins]], who [[hypnosis|hypnotizes]] him into only seeing a person's [[inner beauty]]. Hal, not realizing he has been hypnotized, later meets Steve's [[morbid obesity|morbidly obese]] daughter, Rosemary. Because of her kind and generous personality, Rosemary appears to Hal as a slender, beautiful [[trophy wife|trophy blonde]] and he is instantly smitten with her. Used to being overlooked due to her appearance, Rosemary initially interprets Hal's interest as mockery, but begins to date him once she realizes his feelings for her are sincere.

Concerned by Hal's new taste in women, Mauricio convinces Tony to give him the trigger phrase to undo the hypnosis - "Shallow Hal wants a gal". During a dinner date, Rosemary tells Hal she has been asked by the Peace Corps to go on a 14-month mission in [[Kiribati]]. Mauricio phones Hal and says the trigger phrase, then arrives at the restaurant and drags Hal out before he can see the real Rosemary. Outside, Mauricio reveals the truth about Tony's [[hypnotherapy]]. Hal does not believe him until he runs into Katrina, a woman who initially appeared beautiful to him, but whom he now sees in her true, physically unattractive state. Hal begins to avoid Rosemary, who becomes depressed as a result. Jill develops an interest in Hal, having observed him overcome his shallow nature through his relationship with Rosemary, and invites him to dinner. While on the date with Jill, Hal realizes he loves Rosemary, who has, coincidentally, arrived at the same restaurant with her family and sees the two sitting together. Assuming the worst, she leaves in tears. While heading to the nearest [[payphone]], he walks right past Rosemary, not recognizing her; he then calls her to reassure her of his feelings. Confused and distraught, Rosemary insults and effectively breaks up with him.

Five days later, Steve informs Hal that Rosemary’s ex-boyfriend and [[Peace Corps]] partner, Ralph, wants to get back together with her. While seeking Rosemary out at the hospital where she volunteers, Hal encounters a young patient named Cadence. Due to the hypnosis, Hal had previously seen Cadence as a perfect little girl, but now realizes she is covered in severe burn scars. This changes Hal's views on outer beauty in general and inspires him to go after Rosemary. Mauricio admits that he stopped the hypnosis out of envy toward Hal's happiness, and confesses that he has an inoperable [[vestigial tail]] which has prevented him from ever getting close to a woman. Hal convinces Mauricio to embrace his abnormality.

Hal heads to the Peace Corps recruiting office and confronts Ralph, believing he and Rosemary have gotten back together, though Ralph denies this and informs Hal that Rosemary's parents are throwing her a farewell party. Hal, Mauricio, and Ralph arrive at Rosemary's parents' home. Rosemary initially rebuffs Hal's presence, but accepts his apology when Hal professes his love for her. Rosemary says she is still leaving on her Peace Corps mission, but Hal says he is coming with her, having just been sworn into the Peace Corps by Ralph's friend Li'iBoy. Hal tries to carry Rosemary bridal-style to the car, but cannot lift her. Moved by his gesture and effort, she triumphantly carries him instead. As they drive off, Mauricio meets a woman who loves dogs, and the two walk off together as he wags his tail.

== Cast ==
<!-- Please note: character names according to the end credits -->
{{div col|colwidth=22em}}
* [[Jack Black]] as Harold "Hal" Larson
** [[Sasha Neulinger]] as young Hal
* [[Gwyneth Paltrow]] as Rosemary "Rosie" Shanahan
* [[Jason Alexander]] as Mauricio Wilson
* [[Rene Kirby]] as Walt
* [[Joe Viterelli]] as Steve Shanahan
* Jill Christine Fitzgerald as Mrs. Shanahan
* [[Susan Ward]] as Jill
* [[Zen Gesner]] as Ralph
* Joshua Shintani as Li’iBoy
** [[Ron Darling]] as Li'iBoy (gorgeous)<ref>{{cite web |date=1 December 2015 |first=Maane |last=Khatchatourian |title='Shallow Hal' star Joshua Shintani dies at 32 |url=https://www.bostonherald.com/2015/11/30/shallow-hal-star-joshua-shintani-dies-at-32/ |website=[[Boston Herald]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110121815/https://www.bostonherald.com/2015/11/30/shallow-hal-star-joshua-shintani-dies-at-32/ |archive-date=November 10, 2021 |access-date=November 10, 2021 |quote=Director Peter Farrelly was vacationing in Hawaii when he discovered Shintani}}</ref>
* [[Nan Martin]] as Nurse Tanya
** Sascha Knopf as Nurse Tanya (gorgeous)
* Brianna Gardner as Cadence
* [[Brooke Burns]] as Katrina
* [[Kyle Gass]] as Artie 
* [[Laura Kightlinger]] as Jen
* [[Tony Robbins]] as Himself
* [[Bruce McGill]] as Reverend Larson
* [[Molly Shannon]] as Mrs. Larson
* [[Sayed Badreya]] as Dr. Sayed
* [[Rob Moran]] as Tiffany
** Mary Wigmore as Tiffany (gorgeous)
* [[Michael Corrente]] as homeless
* [[Darius Rucker]] as restaurant maitre
* Manon Von Gerkan as Lindy
* [[Erinn Bartlett]] as Bella
{{div col end}}

== Production ==
{{anchor|Writing}}
Writer Sean Moynihan is legally blind and was inspired by [[Tony Robbins]] to write the script. Earlier versions of the story did not include Robbins' character; instead, a psychic was responsible for Hal's change of view.<ref name="Vancheri">{{cite news |author=Vancheri |first=Barbara |date=July 12, 2002 |title=On Video: How Tony Robbins became the inspiration for 'Shallow Hal' |newspaper=[[Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]] |url=https://old.post-gazette.com/movies/20020712video0712p3.asp |access-date=November 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180316070505/https://old.post-gazette.com/movies/20020712video0712p3.asp |archive-date=March 16, 2018}}</ref>

{{anchor|Casting}}
In December 1999 Paltrow was in talks to star.<ref name="Lyons">{{cite web |last1=Lyons |first1=Charles |date=December 14, 1999 |title=Paltrow, Farrellys 'Hal' bent |url=https://variety.com/1999/film/news/paltrow-farrellys-hal-bent-1117759967/ |access-date=November 10, 2021 |website=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |archive-date=November 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110130257/https://variety.com/1999/film/news/paltrow-farrellys-hal-bent-1117759967/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The Farrelly brothers tried unsuccessfully to get [[Garry Shandling]] to star as Mauricio<ref name="Fleming">{{cite web |last1=Fleming |first1=Michael |date=26 September 2000 |title=Fast-track Farrellys are 'Hal'-bent |url=https://variety.com/2000/film/news/fast-track-farrellys-are-hal-bent-1117786909/ |access-date=November 10, 2021 |website=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |quote=They are also courting Garry Shandling to play Hal’s equally shallow friend |archive-date=10 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110130256/https://variety.com/2000/film/news/fast-track-farrellys-are-hal-bent-1117786909/ |url-status=live }}</ref> before Jason Alexander was cast. 
{{anchor|Filming}}
Production was moved up in order to get the film completed before July 2000 and a threatened [[Screen Actors Guild]] strike.<ref name="Fleming" />
Filming took place in Charlotte, North Carolina.<ref>{{cite web |author=Oyler |first=Melissa |date=December 31, 2020 |title=16 movies and TV shows you didn't know were filmed in the Charlotte area |url=https://www.charlotteobserver.com/charlottefive/c5-things-to-do/article236144108.html |access-date=November 10, 2021 |website=[[Charlotte Observer]] |quote=Filming in the area included Charlotte and Concord. |archive-date=September 25, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200925091539/https://www.charlotteobserver.com/charlottefive/c5-things-to-do/article236144108.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

The Farrelly Brothers defended the movie and its plot to critics,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Pitts |first=Leonard |date=27 November 2001 |title='Shallow Hal' is in all of us |work=[[Chicago Tribune]] |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2001-11-27-0111270023-story.html |url-status=dead |access-date=November 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110154500/https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2001-11-27-0111270023-story.html |archive-date=November 10, 2021}}</ref> arguing it was more than a mere "fat joke" type of movie and was instead one that had a strong message about "inner beauty".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Rose |first=Devin |date=7 November 2001 |title=Why 'Hal' deserves half a chance |work=[[Chicago Tribune]] |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2001-11-07-0111070001-story.html |url-status=dead |access-date=November 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110130256/https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2001-11-07-0111070001-story.html |archive-date=November 10, 2021}}</ref>

[[Gwyneth Paltrow]] played both roles, slim and fat Rosemary (except for a couple of close-up shots of fat Rosemary below the neck, which were played by her body double Ivy Snitzer<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kuczynski |first=Alex |date=November 11, 2001 |title=Charting the Outer Limits of Inner Beauty |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2001/11/11/style/charting-the-outer-limits-of-inner-beauty.html |access-date=September 26, 2021 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=September 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210926094310/https://www.nytimes.com/2001/11/11/style/charting-the-outer-limits-of-inner-beauty.html |url-status=live }}</ref>), and had to wear a specially designed 25-pound [[fatsuit]]<ref name="abcnews">{{Cite web |date=August 21, 2001 |title=Paltrow 'Humiliated' by Fat Suit |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/story?id=102868&page=1 |access-date=September 26, 2021 |website=[[ABC News (United States)|ABC News]] |archive-date=September 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210926094310/https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/story?id=102868&page=1 |url-status=live }}</ref> and prosthetic make-up.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Chautard |first=Andre |date=November 7, 2001 |title='Shallow Hal' Fat Suit Not Just Skin-Deep |newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]] |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2001-nov-07-ca-1105-story.html |access-date=September 26, 2021 |archive-date=September 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210926095813/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2001-nov-07-ca-1105-story.html |url-status=live }}</ref> She later admitted that she did not enjoy partaking in production of the movie,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Boyd |first=Phoebe-Jane |date=March 2, 2020 |title=Gwyneth Paltrow said starring in Shallow Hal was a 'disaster' – here's why she is right |url=http://www.theguardian.com/film/shortcuts/2020/mar/02/gwyneth-paltrow-said-starring-in-shallow-hal-was-a-disaster-heres-why-she-is-right |access-date=September 22, 2021 |website=[[The Guardian]] |archive-date=September 19, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210919040811/https://www.theguardian.com/film/shortcuts/2020/mar/02/gwyneth-paltrow-said-starring-in-shallow-hal-was-a-disaster-heres-why-she-is-right |url-status=live }}</ref> in particular dreading having to wear the fat suit and makeup. The prosthetic make-up effects and body suits for Rosemary, Rosemary's mother, and all of the secondary characters were designed and created by [[Tony Gardner (designer)|Tony Gardner]] and his company [[Alterian, Inc.]]<ref name="abcnews" />

==Reception==
{{Anchor|Box office}}

===Box office===
In its opening weekend at the U.S. box office, ''Shallow Hal'' grossed $22.5 million, opening at #2 behind ''[[Monsters, Inc.]]''.<ref>{{cite news |last=Breznican |first=Anthony |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-news-and-observer-monsters-inc-p/102742524/ |title='Monsters, Inc.' passes $100 million mark
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241006141206/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-news-and-observer-monsters-inc-p/102742524/ |date=November 14, 2001 |access-date=October 6, 2024 |archive-date=October 6, 2024 |page=10 |work=AP Entertainment Writer |publisher=[[The News and Observer]] |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |url-status=live}} {{Open access}}</ref> It grossed a total of $141.1 million, of which $70.7 million was in the United States.<ref name="mojo">{{cite web | url = http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=shallowhal.htm | title = Shallow Hal | publisher = [[Box Office Mojo]] | access-date = 2009-01-03 | archive-date = 2019-10-04 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20191004151434/https://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=shallowhal.htm | url-status = live }}</ref><ref name="numbers" />

===Critical response===
{{Anchor|Critical response|Critics}} 
On [[Rotten Tomatoes]], the film has a rating of 49%, based on 134 reviews, and an average rating of 5.5/10. The site's critical consensus reads, "While surprisingly sweeter and warm-hearted than previous Farrelly outings, ''Shallow Hal'' is also less funny and more bland".<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/shallow_hal/ | title=Shallow Hal | publisher=[[Rotten Tomatoes]] | access-date=2022-01-26 | archive-date=2022-01-19 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220119201729/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/shallow_hal | url-status=live }}</ref> On [[Metacritic]], it has a score of 48% based on reviews from 33 critics, indicating "mixed or average reviews".<ref>{{cite web |title=Shallow Hal |url=https://www.metacritic.com/movie/shallow-hal |website=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=2021-10-10 |archive-date=2021-11-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110130256/https://www.metacritic.com/movie/shallow-hal |url-status=live }}</ref> Audiences polled by [[CinemaScore]] gave the film an average grade of "C+" on an A+ to F scale.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Home |url=https://www.cinemascore.com/ |access-date=2022-04-19 |website=CinemaScore |language=en-US |archive-date=2018-01-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180102130540/https://www.cinemascore.com/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[Roger Ebert]] of the ''[[Chicago Sun-Times]] '' gave it 3 out of 4 and called it "Often very funny, but it is also surprisingly moving at times".<ref name="Ebert">{{cite news |last1=Ebert |first1=Roger |author1-link=Roger Ebert |date=November 9, 2001 |title=Shallow Hal |newspaper=[[Chicago Sun-Times]] |publisher=RogerEbert.com |url=https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/shallow-hal-2001 |access-date=November 10, 2021 |archive-date=April 12, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200412004212/https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/shallow-hal-2001 |url-status=live }} Retrieved November 10, 2021. {{Rating|3|4}}</ref>
[[A. O. Scott]] of ''[[The New York Times]]'' called it "a series of fat jokes...[turned] into a tender fable and a winning love story".<ref name="Scott">{{cite news |last=Scott |first=A. O. |author-link=A. O. Scott |date=9 November 2001 |title=FILM REVIEW; Inner Beauty Counts, And She's a Perfect 10 |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2001/11/09/movies/film-review-inner-beauty-counts-and-she-s-a-perfect-10.html |url-access=registration |access-date=November 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150527160451/http://www.nytimes.com/2001/11/09/movies/film-review-inner-beauty-counts-and-she-s-a-perfect-10.html |archive-date=May 27, 2015}}</ref>

[[Todd McCarthy]] of [[Variety (magazine)|''Variety'']] wrote: "With the relatively untested Black coming on awfully strong, the lack of directorial finesse lets the enterprise down, creating some clunky scenes and dead air where laughs might have been expected."<ref>{{cite web |last=McCarthy |first=Todd |author-link=Todd McCarthy |date=2 November 2001 |title=Shallow Hal |url=https://variety.com/2001/film/reviews/shallow-hal-1200553016/ |access-date=November 10, 2021 |website=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |archive-date=10 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110130255/https://variety.com/2001/film/reviews/shallow-hal-1200553016/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Travers">{{cite magazine |last1=Travers |first1=Peter |author1-link=Peter Travers |date=13 November 2001 |title=Shallow Hal |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/movies/movie-reviews/shallow-hal-89521/ |magazine=[[Rolling Stone]] |access-date=10 November 2021 |archive-date=10 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110130256/https://www.rollingstone.com/movies/movie-reviews/shallow-hal-89521/ |url-status=live }} Retrieved November 10, 2021.</ref>

===Awards===
The film was nominated at the 2002 [[Teen Choice Awards]] as [[Teen Choice Award for Choice Movie - Comedy|Choice Movie: Comedy]] and its leads were nominated [[Teen Choice Award for Choice Movie Actor - Comedy|Choice Movie: Comedy Actor]] (Jack Black) and Choice Movie: Comedy Actress (Gwyneth Paltrow).<ref>{{Cite web |date=August 18, 2002 |title=2002 Teen Choice Awards |url=https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/2002/08/18/2002-teen-choice-awards/62083649007/ |access-date=July 24, 2022 |website=[[The Oklahoman]] |language=en-US |archive-date=July 1, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190701213459/https://oklahoman.com/article/2803593/2002-teen-choice-awards |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Home media==
''Shallow Hal'' was released on [[VHS]] and [[DVD]] in July 2002, and topped the rental charts the week it was released.<ref>{{cite web |author1=Brandon Gray |date=July 12, 2002 |title='Shallow Hal' Plops on Top of Home Video Chart |url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/article/ed779355140/ |access-date=November 10, 2021 |website=Box Office Mojo |archive-date=November 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110130256/https://www.boxofficemojo.com/article/ed779355140/ |url-status=live }}</ref> It also performed well on [[Pay-Per-View]]. Fox released the film only 30 (rather than 45) days after its debut on DVD and video, and it became the top performing PPV title of 2002.<ref>{{cite web |last=Dempsey |first=John |date=January 13, 2003 |title='Hal' hauls '02 PPV crown |url=https://variety.com/2003/film/news/hal-hauls-02-ppv-crown-1117878594/ |access-date=November 10, 2021 |website=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |archive-date=November 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110130255/https://variety.com/2003/film/news/hal-hauls-02-ppv-crown-1117878594/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Wikiquote}}
* {{IMDb title|0256380|Shallow Hal}}
* {{TCMDb title|452966|Shallow Hal}}

{{Farrelly brothers}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:2001 films]]
[[Category:2000s fantasy comedy films]]
[[Category:2001 romantic comedy films]]
[[Category:20th Century Fox films]]
[[Category:American fantasy comedy films]]
[[Category:American romantic comedy films]]
[[Category:Body image in popular culture]]
[[Category:English-language fantasy comedy films]]
[[Category:Films about obesity]]
[[Category:Films directed by the Farrelly brothers]]
[[Category:Films about hypnosis]]
[[Category:Films set in Montana]]
[[Category:Films shot in Massachusetts]]
[[Category:Films shot in Charlotte, North Carolina]]
[[Category:Films with screenplays by the Farrelly brothers]]
[[Category:2000s English-language films]]
[[Category:2000s American films]]
[[Category:English-language romantic comedy films]]