Movie spotlight
What About Bob?
Before going on vacation, self-involved psychiatrist Dr. Leo Marvin has the misfortune of taking on a new patient: Bob Wiley. An exemplar of neediness and a compendium of phobias, Bob follows Marvin to his family's country house. Dr. Marvin tries to get him to leave; the trouble is, everyone loves Bob. As his oblivious patient makes himself at home, Dr. Marvin loses his professional composure and, before long, may be ready for the loony bin himself.
Insights
Plot Summary
Bob Wiley, a highly eccentric and dependent patient, is finally discharged from psychiatric care. His therapist, Dr. Leo Marvin, suggests he spend some time with his family at their lake house to continue his therapy. Bob, however, latches onto Dr. Marvin and follows him, much to the doctor's dismay, causing escalating chaos and disrupting the family's vacation.
Critical Reception
What About Bob? was a commercial success, performing well at the box office. Critically, it received mixed to positive reviews, with many praising Bill Murray's comedic performance but some finding the humor to be a bit too dark or reliant on slapstick.
What Reviewers Say
Bill Murray's comedic timing and improvisation are the highlights of the film.
The film's humor can be divisive, balancing between wit and outright absurdity.
Richard Dreyfuss effectively portrays the escalating frustration of the victimized therapist.
Google audience: Audiences generally found the movie to be a funny and entertaining watch, particularly appreciating Bill Murray's eccentric character and the comedic clashes. Some viewers felt the plot became a bit repetitive or too outlandish as it progressed.
Fun Fact
The character of Bob Wiley was heavily improvised by Bill Murray, with many of his lines and mannerisms not being present in the original script.
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