What About Bob?

1991 Comedy

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. more..

Director: Frank Oz

Starring: Bill Murray, Richard Dreyfuss, Julie Hagerty, Charlie Korsmo, Kathryn Erbe

Reviews

  • Actors Bill Murray and Richard Dreyfuss provide the frenzied fun that highlights What About Bob? a wacky slapstick comedy.

    - TV Guide

    11 May 2013

  • What About Bob? is just funny enough to make you wish it had been wilder and less predictable.

    Owen Gleiberman - Entertainment Weekly

    11 May 2013

  • What About Bob? is a one-joke movie, but what a funny joke!

    Steve Davis - Austin Chronicle

    11 May 2013

  • What makes the film work is the double act between the two actors, and some great one-liners that pepper the script and cover up the fact there isn't a great deal of originality in the plot.

    - Empire

    11 May 2013

  • A sentimental comedy about mental illness (complete with a sitcom family), wobbly Bob offers further evidence that Disney itself may be afflicted with encroaching schizophrenia.

    Mike Clark - USA Today

    11 May 2013

Awards

  • Miles Goodman

    BMI Film & TV Awards (1992)

  • Best Comedic Performance

    MTV Movie Awards (1992)

     
  • Best Family Motion Picture - Comedy

    Young Artist Awards (1992)