What About Bob? Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A therapist writes a self-help book, then his neediest patient uses it to stalk him on vacation and ruin his life, proving therapy doesn’t work and arson is a viable conflict resolution technique.

🍿 What About Bob?: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction of Bob Wiley

Bob Wiley, played by Bill Murray, is a man riddled with phobias and anxieties, barely able to leave his apartment. He’s referred to Dr. Leo Marvin (Richard Dreyfuss), a successful and somewhat egotistical psychiatrist, who is about to go on vacation and promote his new self-help book, ‘Baby Steps’. Bob’s anxieties range from germs and public spaces to more abstract fears. He relies heavily on constant reassurance and struggles with everyday tasks. He sees Dr. Marvin briefly before the doctor departs for a month-long family vacation, leaving Bob with a copy of ‘Baby Steps’ and a promise to reconnect upon his return.

Bob’s Arrival in New Hampshire

Despite Dr. Marvin’s attempts to distance himself, Bob manages to track down his vacation location in New Hampshire, cleverly manipulating the telephone operator to get the address. Overcoming his travel anxieties with the help of Dr. Marvin’s book, Bob takes a bus to the lakeside town where the Marvin family is staying. Dr. Marvin is horrified when Bob appears, interrupting his peaceful family time and promotional plans. However, the rest of the Marvin family—Fay, Anna, and Sigmund—find Bob charming and engaging, further fueling Dr. Marvin’s frustration.

Bob’s Influence on the Marvin Family

Bob endears himself to the Marvin family, offering unconventional but effective advice. He helps Sigmund overcome his fear of diving, connects with Anna’s teenage angst, and provides Fay with a listening ear, inadvertently making Dr. Marvin appear dull and out of touch in comparison. He seems to be thriving by taking the ‘Baby Steps’ advice he was given. Dr. Marvin becomes increasingly unhinged as he witnesses his family’s growing fondness for Bob and his own loss of control over the situation. He tries various schemes to get rid of Bob, but each attempt backfires spectacularly.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Bob Wiley (Bill Murray): A multi-phobic, highly dependent patient who relentlessly pursues his psychiatrist, driving him to the brink of insanity.
• Dr. Leo Marvin (Richard Dreyfuss): An egotistical psychiatrist whose perfect life is upended by his clingy and intrusive patient.
• Fay Marvin (Julie Hagerty): Dr. Marvin’s supportive but somewhat oblivious wife who is charmed by Bob’s quirky personality.
• Siggy Marvin (Charlie Korsmo): Dr. Marvin’s son, who bonds with Bob and overcomes his fear of diving with Bob’s help.
• Anna Marvin (Kathryn Erbe): Dr. Marvin’s daughter, who is also drawn to Bob’s carefree attitude and finds her father overbearing.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Bob: “I’m sailing! I’m sailing!” – Bob exclaims this joyfully while uncontrollably attached to the mast of a sailboat, demonstrating his newfound freedom and Leo’s frustration.
• Bob: “Baby steps to the elevator… baby steps on the bus.” – Bob repeats this mantra from Leo’s book as he confronts his fears, showcasing his reliance on the ‘Baby Steps’ method.
• Dr. Leo Marvin: “I want some peace and quiet!” – Dr. Marvin shouts this in desperation, highlighting his complete loss of control over his vacation and personal space.
• Bob: “Gimme, Gimme, Gimme. I need, I need, I need!” – Bob repeats this phrase constantly to express his dependancy on Dr. Marvin.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $39,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $63,707,829
• Worldwide Gross: $63,707,829

💥 What About Bob? Reviews

Personal Review

Oh man, this movie gets me every time! I first saw it as a kid, and Bob Wiley’s antics were hilarious. Now, watching it as an adult, I sympathize with Dr. Marvin a little more, but Bill Murray is just so dang likeable! The scene where Bob crashes the ‘Good Morning America’ interview is legendary, and when Leo loses it at his birthday party, I laugh until I cry. It is a comfort movie.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Bill Murray and Richard Dreyfuss”
  • “Viewers who enjoy dark comedies”
  • “Anyone interested in movies about mental health”
  • “People who appreciate quirky and unconventional humor”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild language”
  • “Thematic elements involving mental illness”
  • “Some scenes depicting potentially disturbing behavior”

Professional Reviews

• Roger Ebert: “Murray and Dreyfuss are perfectly cast. The movie is a clever, character-driven comedy that finds humor in the clash of personalities. It’s a fun, lighthearted watch.
• Variety: “What About Bob? is a riotous comedy elevated by the impeccable performances of Murray and Dreyfuss. The film’s success lies in its ability to make the absurd seem plausible, creating a thoroughly entertaining experience.
• The New York Times: “While Bill Murray is reliably funny, the film ultimately resorts to broad, cartoonish antics that undermine its initial promise. Richard Dreyfuss’s performance is solid, but the script doesn’t give him enough to work with to be truly memorable.

Audience Reactions

Bill Murray’s portrayal of Bob Wiley is legendary and makes the movie rewatchable.: Most viewers praise Bill Murray’s performance as the lovable yet incredibly annoying Bob Wiley.

Richard Dreyfuss’s slow descent into madness is a comedic highlight that viewers love.: Many people appreciate the dynamic between Murray and Dreyfuss, highlighting Dreyfuss’s comedic timing as he reacts to Bob’s antics.

Overall Consensus: A highly entertaining comedy with standout performances from Bill Murray and Richard Dreyfuss, though some find the humor a bit broad.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Robin Williams was initially considered for the role of Bob Wiley, but scheduling conflicts prevented his participation.”
• “The movie was filmed primarily in and around Smith Mountain Lake in Moneta, Virginia, not New Hampshire as depicted in the film.”

🖥️ How to Watch What About Bob??

What About Bob? is available for streaming and purchase on various platforms. You can find it on demand through services like Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu. Check your local listings for cable or satellite options. Physical copies (DVD and Blu-ray) are available for purchase online and in stores. You can often find discounted prices through retailers like Amazon and Walmart.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed What About Bob?, you might like these similar films:

• The Cable Guy (1996): Features a character who becomes overly attached and disruptive in someone’s life, similar to Bob’s effect on Leo.
• Analyze This (1999): Explores the comedic dynamic between a mobster and his psychiatrist, offering a different take on mental health and humor.
• Knocked Up (2007): Illustrates how an unexpected and unwanted presence can turn someone’s organized life upside down, creating comedic chaos.
• Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (1988): Features characters trying to one-up each other with over-the-top schemes and manipulations, a common theme in What About Bob?

🛒 What About Bob? Related Products

• What About Bob? (Blu-ray): Relive the comedic chaos of ‘What About Bob?’ with this Blu-ray edition. Enjoy enhanced picture and sound quality for a superior viewing experience. Perfect for fans of Bill Murray and classic comedies.
• Funko Pop! Movies: What About Bob? – Bob Wiley: Add some neurotic charm to your collection with the Bob Wiley Funko Pop! This adorable figure captures Bob’s iconic look and is a perfect addition to any ‘What About Bob?’ fan’s display. A great conversation starter and a fun way to show your love for this classic comedy.
• Don’t Hassle Me I’m Local T-Shirt: This iconic t-shirt will let everyone know that you are local. Whether you’re in the city or the country, you can express yourself proudly in this soft and comfortable garment.
• Baby Steps: The Dr. Leo Marvin Guide to Sanity (E-Book): Inspired by Dr. Leo Marvin’s fictional book, this humorous parody e-book offers mock advice on how to take ‘baby steps’ to achieve your goals. A fun and quirky read for fans of the movie, providing a lighthearted take on self-help.

🎧 Soundtrack

What About Bob? features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Jolt” – performed by Skatemaster Tate and The Concrete Crew

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

What about bob Gimme Gimme, I Need I Need..

Remember Bob’s hilarious ‘Gimme Gimme, I Need I Need’ moment? This short clip captures that chaotic energy perfectly, and honestly, it’s still so relatable when you’re craving something!

Thenali and What About Bob part 2/2

Ever wondered if ‘What About Bob?’ has similar vibes to another movie? This video draws comparisons with ‘Thenali,’ and it’s actually pretty insightful – definitely worth a watch if you’re curious about cross-cultural comedic influences!

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