What About Bob?

What About Bob? is a classic comedy film from 1991 that stars the incomparable Bill Murray alongside the equally talented Richard Dreyfuss and Julie Hagerty. It is directed by Frank Oz and written by Tom Schulman. Buoyed by splendid performances, the film effortlessly blends elements of comedy and drama, offering audiences an engaging and often hilarious commentary on relationships between psychiatrists and their patients.

Bill Murray brings his trademark comic persona to the role of Bob Wiley, an endearing yet neurotic character who suffers from numerous phobias. Bob is a multi-phobic personality who sees danger and doom at every turn and perceives the world around him as a threatening obstacle course. Each new day presents a further escalation in his fears and anxieties, making self-help books and psychiatric help his only way to manage reality.

Richard Dreyfuss plays the esteemed New York psychiatrist Dr. Leo Marvin, who becomes Bob's latest therapist. Convinced by his patient's desperate need for his assistance, Leo takes on Bob's case. Dr. Marvin's controlled and triumphant demeanor is the polar opposite of Bob’s agitated and anxious personality, and the two characters' contrasting profiles form the core dynamic on which the film operates.

After a single introductory therapy session, Bob immediately develops an overwhelming reliance on Dr. Marvin's help. His desperate demand for therapeutic guidance crosses the boundary of professional engagement when Dr. Marvin heads for a month-long, peaceful family vacation at Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire. He leaves Bob armed with a copy of his latest self-help book, ‘Baby Steps,’ hoping it will keep Bob engaged and help initiate his recovery process.

However, Bob’s fears and anxieties multiply manifold as Leo heads out, and out of desperation, he tracks down the location of Leo's vacation home. He assumes himself part of the family getaway and brings his peculiar habits and phobias into the otherwise tranquil family holiday, adding a layer of chaos to the calm.

Julie Hagerty plays Fay Marvin, Dr. Marvin's wife, who, along with their children, begins to take a liking to Bob. They become endeared by his quirky personality and neurotic disorders, which agitates Dr. Marvin and further fuels the comedic tension within the film. As the hours turn into days, Bob's presence not only disrupts Leo’s peaceful holiday but also starts undermining his professional reputation and personal sanity, all of which is hilariously portrayed in this comic masterpiece.

Bill Murray brilliantly infuses Bob with an idiosyncratic blend of naivety and manipulation. His performance is consistently amusing, often hilarious, and occasionally poignant, illuminating the film with a sense of sincere comedic prowess. Richard Dreyfuss is equally strong in the role of Dr. Leo Marvin. His portrayal of a controlled psychiatrist spiraling down into madness is compelling, providing the perfect foil to Murray's hyper-neurotic Bob.

What About Bob? uses this central conflict ingeniously to generate laughs but also to reflect on the dynamics between therapists and their patients, vocation and personal boundaries, and the often-complex concept of mental health. The writing is sharp, blending smart humor with well-rounded characters, and the comedic tension between Murray and Dreyfuss is a joy to watch.

In addition, the movie makes good use of its supporting cast. Julie Hagerty as Fay shines in her scenes with Murray and Dreyfuss, bringing a wonderful balance in her role as the wife and mother caught in the middle. The picturesque Lake Winnipesaukee setting also deserves a mention, enhancing the visual appeal and small-town charm of the movie.

What About Bob? is a heartwarming and humorous film that allows Murray to showcase his comic genius to the fullest. Layered with perceptiveness about human nature, this delightful comedy hits the mark with its witty dialogue, appealing characters, and situational humor becoming a must-watch for fans of the genre.