A successful psychotherapist loses his mind after one of his most dependent patients, an obsessive-compulsive neurotic, tracks him down during his family vacation.A successful psychotherapist loses his mind after one of his most dependent patients, an obsessive-compulsive neurotic, tracks him down during his family vacation.A successful psychotherapist loses his mind after one of his most dependent patients, an obsessive-compulsive neurotic, tracks him down during his family vacation.
- Awards
- 2 wins & 2 nominations
- Director
- Writers
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaRobin Williams was the first choice for the role of Bob Wiley, as he had been nominated for an Oscar for his performance in screenwriter Tom Schulman's Hội Cố Thi Nhân (1989), also distributed by Touchstone Pictures. However, at the time filming was to begin, Williams had just finished filming The Fisher King (1991) and was forced to turn down the role. Williams and Charlie Korsmo, who plays Richard Dreyfuss's son in this movie, would go on to star in Steven Spielberg's Gặp Lại Dưới Biển (1991) the same year.
- GoofsWhen Marie from Good Morning America (1975) is interviewing Dr. Marvin and Bob, Leo inadvertently calls her "Joan" the first time he speaks to her. Joan Lunden plays/is the home-base correspondent for GMA. Leo had been rehearsing his speech to Joan Lunden all night, but Marie was the interviewer that came to his house. Leo froze up on TV and repeated his rehearsed message even though it was no longer appropriate.
- Quotes
Dr. Leo Marvin: I want some peace and quiet!
Bob Wiley: Well, I'll be quiet.
Siggy: I'll be peace!
[Bob and Siggy burst into giggles]
- Alternate versionsRecent 2004 airing on TBS uses the term "tourette's syndrome" instead of the TV-friendly toned-down "Buddy's disease", and used *almost* all of the original dialog associated with it.
- SoundtracksJolt
Written by Gerry Hurtado and Chris Abbott
Performed by Skatemaster Tate and The Concrete Crew
Courtesy of Russett Records
Featured review
Very funny or very irritating, depending on the viewer
This relatively simple, good Frank Oz comedy is to me one of Bill Murray's best. In here, the former 'Ghostbuster' star is Bob Wiley, a good-hearted obsessive-compulsive who tracks down his new psychiatrist when he goes on vacation with his family; his annoying but good-hearted actions, coupled with the doctor's upcoming TV interview, cause the man to slowly go crazy himself.
I find this film rather polarizing, exactly because of Murray; or, to be more precise, his character. Bob Wiley is good-hearted and enthusiastic to a fault, to the point of being obnoxious. You can't help feeling sorry for the psychiatrist (a very good Richard Dreyfuss) for having to put up with him. And Murray, himself, does a great job; he is not obnoxious in an overly cheerful/clownish way (like Robin Williams, for example), but rather in the comedic OCD way his character is supposed to be. His is merely great acting; a bit TOO good acting, though, as sometimes I myself felt irritated with Bob.
Richard Dreyfuss does a very good job too. His character, an overly-uptight and arrogant 'genius' psychiatrist, is shown in a way that we should feel he deserves the hell Bob inadvertently brought him; yet, because of Bill Murray, we can't help sympathize with him. Still, his breakdown moments are hilarious and the interactions between Dreyfuss and Murray are perfect.
The supporting cast exists, but it is really Murray's and Dreyfuss' show.
In the end, it comes down to how you cope with Murray's character. Whether you can stand him and laugh, or whether you find him so irritating to the point of being unbearable. I certainly found it quite funny and liked it, and would not hesitate to recommend.
I find this film rather polarizing, exactly because of Murray; or, to be more precise, his character. Bob Wiley is good-hearted and enthusiastic to a fault, to the point of being obnoxious. You can't help feeling sorry for the psychiatrist (a very good Richard Dreyfuss) for having to put up with him. And Murray, himself, does a great job; he is not obnoxious in an overly cheerful/clownish way (like Robin Williams, for example), but rather in the comedic OCD way his character is supposed to be. His is merely great acting; a bit TOO good acting, though, as sometimes I myself felt irritated with Bob.
Richard Dreyfuss does a very good job too. His character, an overly-uptight and arrogant 'genius' psychiatrist, is shown in a way that we should feel he deserves the hell Bob inadvertently brought him; yet, because of Bill Murray, we can't help sympathize with him. Still, his breakdown moments are hilarious and the interactions between Dreyfuss and Murray are perfect.
The supporting cast exists, but it is really Murray's and Dreyfuss' show.
In the end, it comes down to how you cope with Murray's character. Whether you can stand him and laugh, or whether you find him so irritating to the point of being unbearable. I certainly found it quite funny and liked it, and would not hesitate to recommend.
- How long is What About Bob??Powered by Alexa
Details
Box office
- Budget
- $39,000,000 (estimated)
- Gross US & Canada
- $63,707,829
- Opening weekend US & Canada
- $9,216,334
- May 19, 1991
- Gross worldwide
- $63,707,829
- Runtime1 hour 39 minutes
- Color
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 1.85 : 1
Contribute to this page
Suggest an edit or add missing content