What about Bob?

 

What about Bob? 1991

• Director: Frank Oz
• Based on book: no
• Cast: Bill Murray, Richard Dreyfuss
• Personal “oh yeah him/her” reaction, i.e. have seen this actor in:
• Bill Murray – Zombieland Double Tap, Moonrise Kingdom, Zombieland, Darjeeling Ltd, Broken Flowers, Coffee & Cigarettes, Lost in Translation, The Royal Tenenbaums, Hamlet, Cradle Will Rock, Rushmore, Ed Wood, Ground Hog Day, Ghostbusters, Tootsie
• Richard Dreyfuss – Postcards from the Edge, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead, Stand by Me, Close Encounter of the Third Kind, Jaws, American Graffiti, The Good-bye Girl
• Why? I liked it before. Do I still?
• Seen: Twice before. Now 17 June 2022      

       Bob (Murray) is neurotic with a multitude of phobias. He’s referred to Dr Leo Marvin (Dreyfuss) who has just written a popular book and he considers himself famous. They have an introductory session, then Leo goes on holiday for a month with his family.

       Bob pursues him, stalks him, and shows up at his summer retreat. Always with a cheerful smile.

       Why in the world I liked this before – twice! - I have no idea. Murray is irritating even at the best of times – the only film with him that I like is Zombieland – and as Bob he is extremely annoying. As is Dreyfuss as Leo. And everybody in the whole film.

       I can’t take it. It’s time to fast forward.

       This isn’t humorous. It’s offensive to the mentally ill and those who try to help them. What took me so long to realise that this is a dreadful film?      

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