34 Facts About The Movie What About Bob?

Bill Murray originally turned down the role of Bob Wiley.

The iconic role of Bob Wiley was initially offered to Bill Murray, but he initially declined. However, after a couple of years, he changed his mind and agreed to take on the lead role.

The movie was inspired by the experiences of the writer, Al Franken.

Al Franken, who is known for his work as a comedian and writer, based the script of What About Bob? on his own experiences with therapy. He found the humorous and exaggerated situations he encountered in therapy to be perfect material for a movie.

The film was a box office success.

Upon its release, What About Bob? was a hit at the box office, grossing over $63 million worldwide. It was praised for its comedic performances and relatable story.

Bill Murray and Richard Dreyfuss had a tense relationship on set.

The on-screen tension between Bob Wiley (Bill Murray) and Dr. Leo Marvin (Richard Dreyfuss) extended off-screen as well. Reportedly, the actors had a difficult time working together, resulting in a realistic dynamic between their characters.

The movie was filmed in various locations in the United States.

While the movie is primarily set in the fictional Lake Winnipesaukee, it was actually filmed in different locations. Some scenes were shot in Virginia, North Carolina, and New Hampshire, capturing the essence of a serene lakeside town.

The character of Bob Wiley suffers from multiple phobias.

In the movie, Bob Wiley struggles with a range of phobias, including agoraphobia, the fear of leaving home or public spaces, and hydrophobia, the fear of water. These phobias lead to several comedic and chaotic situations throughout the film.

“I’m sailing!” became a popular catchphrase from the movie.

In one of the most memorable scenes, Bob yells, “I’m sailing!” while boating on Lake Winnipesaukee. This line became a popular catchphrase, often quoted by fans of the film.

The film features a hilarious therapy session with Bob’s iconic “baby steps.”

One of the most memorable therapy scenes in the movie involves Bob encouraging himself to take “baby steps” towards personal growth. This phrase became synonymous with Bob’s character and his quirky, yet endearing, approach to self-improvement.

What About Bob? was directed by Frank Oz.

Frank Oz, known for his work as a puppeteer and director, helmed the film. He brought his unique comedic sensibilities to the project, blending humor with heartfelt moments.

The movie received mixed reviews from critics.

While What About Bob? was a commercial success, critics had mixed opinions. Some praised the performances and comedic timing, while others felt the humor was too over-the-top. However, over the years, the film has gained a cult following.

Bob Wiley’s infamous goldfish, Gil, meets a tragic fate.

Throughout the film, Bob becomes extremely attached to a goldfish named Gil. Unfortunately, Gil meets a comedic yet unfortunate demise, adding another layer of chaos to Bob’s life.

What About Bob? addresses themes of mental health.

Beneath the humor and chaos, the movie explores themes of mental health and the impact of therapy on individuals. It highlights the importance of understanding and compassion when dealing with mental health issues.

The film has a memorable opening sequence.

What About Bob? begins with a humorous introduction to Bob’s self-help book, “Baby Steps.” This sets the tone for the rest of the film and introduces the audience to Bob’s eccentric personality.

The movie soundtrack features a catchy theme song.

The catchy theme song, “Don’t Hassle Me I’m Local,” adds to the film’s comedic vibe. It perfectly captures Bob’s laid-back attitude and becomes a memorable part of the movie.

What About Bob? showcases the contrast between Bob Wiley and Dr. Leo Marvin.

The film expertly depicts the polar opposite personalities of Bob Wiley and Dr. Leo Marvin. Bob is carefree and endearing, while Dr. Marvin is uptight and driven, leading to amusing clashes between the two.

The movie explores the boundaries of professional ethics in therapy.

Throughout What About Bob?, Dr. Leo Marvin’s boundaries as a therapist are continually tested by Bob Wiley. The film raises ethical questions about patient-therapist relationships and the responsibilities of mental health professionals.

What About Bob? explores the concept of facing fears.

Bob Wiley’s journey in the movie revolves around his quest to confront and overcome his phobias. This theme resonates with viewers, as it taps into the universal experience of facing our own fears and insecurities.

The film has memorable supporting characters.

Apart from the central characters, What About Bob? features a memorable supporting cast, including Dr. Marvin’s overwhelmed family and the quirky residents of Lake Winnipesaukee. They contribute to the overall comedic tone of the film.

What About Bob? inspired parodies and references in popular culture.

Over the years, What About Bob? has been referenced and parodied in various forms of media. From television shows to comedy sketches, the movie’s impact and memorable moments have left a lasting impression.

The movie showcases the power dynamics between therapist and patient.

What About Bob? delves into the power dynamics between therapist and patient, challenging traditional notions of authority. This exploration of control and vulnerability adds depth to the film’s comedic narrative.

The movie’s script went through several revisions.

Before the final version of What About Bob? was approved, the script underwent multiple revisions. The creative process involved shaping the characters and fine-tuning the comedic timing to achieve the desired impact.

What About Bob? presents a unique blend of comedy and human connection.

The movie successfully combines hilarious comedic moments with sincere, heartwarming interactions. It portrays the importance of human connection and empathy, even in the most absurd of circumstances.

The film explores the thin line between love and obsession.

What About Bob? blurs the line between love and obsession, as Bob Wiley’s attachment to Dr. Leo Marvin takes on a more intense and amusing form. This dynamic creates comedic tension throughout the movie.

The movie’s title cleverly plays with the question of “What About Bob?”

The title of the movie itself, What About Bob?, cleverly poses the question of what will happen to Bob Wiley and how his presence will impact Dr. Leo Marvin and his family. It adds intrigue and curiosity to the viewer’s experience.

The character of Bob Wiley connects with audiences on an emotional level.

Bob Wiley’s endearing and relatable qualities, coupled with Bill Murray’s charismatic performance, make him a character that audiences can’t help but root for. His antics and insecurities strike a chord with viewers.

What About Bob? showcases the importance of laughter and light-heartedness.

Amidst the chaos and struggles faced by its characters, the movie highlights the therapeutic power of laughter. It reminds audiences of the importance of finding humor and joy, even in challenging situations.

The movie’s humor appeals to a wide audience.

With its blend of physical comedy, witty dialogue, and situational humor, What About Bob? has broad appeal. It caters to various comedic tastes, ensuring that there is something for everyone to enjoy.

The film’s ending leaves room for interpretation.

What About Bob? concludes with an open-ended finale, leaving audiences to speculate about the future of the characters. This ambiguous ending adds intrigue and allows viewers to ponder the possibilities.

The movie has become a cult classic.

Over the years, What About Bob? has garnered a dedicated fan base and is considered a cult classic in the comedy genre. Its unique blend of humor and heart has stood the test of time.

What About Bob? is beloved for its quotable lines.

The movie is filled with memorable lines that have become part of popular culture. From “I’m sailing!” to “Baby steps,” these quotes have become synonymous with the film and continue to be referenced by fans.

The performances of Bill Murray and Richard Dreyfuss are legendary.

Bill Murray and Richard Dreyfuss deliver stellar performances in What About Bob?, showcasing their comedic timing and chemistry. Their on-screen dynamic adds to the overall charm of the film.

The movie explores the impact of a disruptive presence on a structured and ordered life.

What About Bob? delves into the chaos that ensues when Bob Wiley disrupts the meticulously ordered life of Dr. Leo Marvin. This clash of personalities creates a hilarious and chaotic narrative.

The film’s humor is timeless.

Despite being released in 1991, What About Bob? has retained its comedic appeal and continues to make audiences laugh. Its timeless humor transcends generational boundaries.

What About Bob? remains a must-watch for comedy enthusiasts.

Whether you’re a fan of Bill Murray, enjoy witty humor, or appreciate heartwarming stories, What About Bob? should be on your must-watch list. It’s an entertaining and memorable movie that continues to captivate audiences.

Conclusion

What About Bob? is a classic comedy film that has entertained audiences for years. With its hilarious premise and talented cast, it continues to be a fan favorite. From the unforgettable performances of Bill Murray and Richard Dreyfuss to the iconic scenes that have become embedded in pop culture, this movie is a must-watch for any comedy lover.

Whether you’re a long-time fan or just discovering this gem of a film, the 34 facts discussed in this article shed light on the behind-the-scenes details and interesting trivia that add even more depth to the movie. So grab some popcorn, sit back, and enjoy the laughter that What About Bob? brings.

FAQs

1. Who directed the movie What About Bob?

The movie was directed by Frank Oz, who is known for his work in other comedy classics such as The Muppets and Little Shop of Horrors.

2. When was What About Bob? released?

The film was released on May 17, 1991.

3. Who starred in the movie?

Bill Murray played the role of Bob Wiley, while Richard Dreyfuss portrayed Dr. Leo Marvin, the main characters in the film.

4. Where was the movie filmed?

The movie was primarily filmed in the beautiful town of Virginia Beach, Virginia.

5. Is What About Bob? based on a true story?

No, the movie is a fictional comedy and not based on a true story.

6. What is the plot of the movie?

The plot revolves around a neurotic man named Bob Wiley who becomes obsessed with his therapist and ends up following him on vacation, causing chaos in his life.

7. Did What About Bob? receive any awards?

While the movie didn’t win any major awards, it was well-received by audiences and became a commercial success.

8. How did the movie perform at the box office?

What About Bob? grossed over $63 million worldwide, surpassing its production budget.

9. Is there a sequel to What About Bob?

No, there is no official sequel to the movie.

10. Where can I watch What About Bob?

You can stream What About Bob? on various online platforms such as Amazon Prime Video or rent it from popular streaming services like Netflix or Hulu.