What About Bob? (1991)
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82% of critics liked it
(39 reviews) -
74% of users liked it
(105,663 ratings)
In this comedy about a doctor-patient relationship pushed way beyond the office, Bill Murray plays Bob Wiley, a neurotic New Yorker struggling with a whirlwind of paralyzing phobias. When an exasperated colleague pawns the handful off on Dr. Leo Marvin (Richard Dreyfuss), the psychologist has no… More In this comedy about a doctor-patient relationship pushed way beyond the office, Bill Murray plays Bob Wiley, a neurotic New Yorker struggling with a whirlwind of paralyzing phobias. When an exasperated colleague pawns the handful off on Dr. Leo Marvin (Richard Dreyfuss), the psychologist has no idea his last appointment will follow him north to New Hampshire on a month's vacation. Bob takes to Dr. Marvin's latest book like no therapy before it, so the well-meaning pest tracks Marvin down at his lakeside summer home to further discuss his problems. But Marvin, preparing for an interview on Good Morning America and a few weeks of R and R, views Bob's stalking as highly inappropriate, and demands he return to New York. But Bob can't take even the strongest hint, and sets up camp with a neighbor to indulge in his own "vacation" -- from his problems. Meanwhile, Marvin's son Sigmund (Charlie Korsmo), daughter Anna (Catherine Erbe), and wife Fay (Julie Hagerty) take to Bob's loopy charm, which Marvin views as an irritating threat. Marvin's temperature rises as Bob insinuates his way into the family, helping Sigmund learn to dive and counseling the previously ignored Anna. As Bob's stock continues to rise, and his to plummet, Marvin becomes increasingly unhinged as the minutes tick down to the interview. ~ Derek Armstrong, Rovi
- Directed By
- Frank Oz
- Written By
- Alvin Sargent, Laura Ziskin, Tom Schulman
- Genres
- Drama, Comedy
- In Theaters
- Jan 1, 1991 Wide
- Studio
- Touchstone Home Entertainment
Critic Reviews
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Richard Schickel, TIME Magazine
Murray, with his curious blend of pathos and aggressiveness, is terrific, and so is an acutely uptight Dreyfuss, never once copping a plea for our sympathy.
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Jonathan Rosenbaum, Chicago Reader
This cruel but effective black comedy violates credibility at almost every turn, but the concept itself is so strong hat it winds up working pretty well anyway.
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, Variety
Bill Murray finds a real showcase for his oft-shackled talent in this manic comedy.
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, Time Out
With Dreyfuss and Murray on top form, not even the familiar plotline -- uptight rich person meets free-wheeling poor person and learns about life -- can prevent this lunatic comedy from being funny.
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Janet Maslin, New York Times
Somehow, Mr. Dreyfuss maintains his sound comic timing even when Frank Oz's antic direction calls for hand-waving hysteria.
See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
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Cast
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Bill Murray
as Bob Wiley
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Richard Dreyfuss
as Dr. Leo Marvin
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Julie Hagerty
as Fay Marvin
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Charlie Korsmo
as Siggy Marvin
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Kathryn Erbe
as Anna Marvin
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Tom Aldredge
as Mr. Guttman
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Susan Willis
as Mrs. Guttman
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Roger Bowen
as Phil
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Fran Brill
as Lily
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Barbara Andres
as Claire Doctor Marvin's Secretary
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Charles Thomas Baxter
as Nursing Home Guard
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Doris Belack
as Dr. Tomsky
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Russell Bobbitt
as TV Crew Member
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Reg E. Cathey
as Howie Director
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Lori Tan Chinn
as Bus Driver
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Richard Fancy
as Minister
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Marcella Lowery
as Betty Switchboard Operator
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Joan Lunden
as Herself
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Melinda Mullins
as Marie Grady
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Cortez Nance Jr.
as Lobby Doorman
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Brian Reddy
as Carswell Fensterwald
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Stuart Rudin
as Crazy Man in New York Street
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Dennis Scott
as Motorcycle Cop
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Tom Stechschulte
as Lennie Producer
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Aida Turturro
as Prostitute
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Margot Welch
as Gwen Switchboard Operator
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Donald J Lee Jr
as Nursing Home Attendant



