Dapper Dan Man is a quirky and memorable character from the 2000 film O Brother, Where Art Thou?, directed by the Coen Brothers. Set in the 1930s Deep South, the movie is a loose adaptation of Homer's The Odyssey and follows the misadventures of three escaped convicts. Dapper Dan Man refers to Ulysses Everett McGill, played by George Clooney, who is obsessed with maintaining his hair with Dapper Dan pomade, a popular hair product of the time. His fixation on this particular brand is played for comedic effect throughout the film, especially when he refuses to use any substitute, famously stating, "I'm a Dapper Dan man!"
The character's obsession with Dapper Dan highlights his vanity and serves as a running gag that underlines the absurdity of his situation. Despite being on the run from the law, Everett's top priority is his appearance, which provides a humorous contrast to the dire circumstances he faces. This element of the film adds to the overall quirky tone of O Brother, Where Art Thou?, blending humor with the film's larger themes of identity, pride, and the pursuit of personal desires amidst chaos.