MovieChat Forums > What About Bob? (1991) Discussion > One of the Greatest Comedies Ever

One of the Greatest Comedies Ever


A lot of movies grow on me over time, but i don't think any has ever revealed so much layered nuance to me over time as this one has. When i was younger i thought it was hilarious but as I got older i realized how brilliant the movie is and how much it says about the psychology world and the concept of "mental illness". It plays on a lot of themes and archetypes while still being a flat out comedy. And there are so many subtle parts that grow on me over time. One of my favorites is in Dr. Leo's office for the first time when Bill Murray keeps saying what's wrong with him and Leo is just completely straight faced like: "Talk about....."moving" and..... "Talk about......"weird". Both the actors nailed their part. And another subtle part that i always found funny but didn't know why was in Lake Winneppasake when Bob and the girls are singing in the kitchen: they are singing like they're having fun and not taking it that seriously, but then they suddenly all switch to a higher key at the same time and keep singing. my sister pointed that out to me one time and i was like: ah, so thats why i find that part so silly. Another subtle one is when Bob is crying while he watches "The Brady Bunch" due to his need for interpersonal connection. Then there's the film noir Bob ("So, you're Betty...."). God...this movie has so many small parts that crack me up. Genius

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Absolutely. Hugely underrated and still holds up.

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Yea this was a moderate hit when it came out, but I think over time it should regenerate a following of immense appreciation. Like others on this board I recently watched it, having not seen it in over a decade and I enjoyed more than when I was younger. In fact about 2 days later I watched it again!

Very underrated! I wonder why??? Maybe because in 1990 our culture was designed for more cheesy comedy??? Who knows.

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I love this movie. It's one that I can watch every single time it comes on and still laugh and enjoy it like I did the first time I saw it. Sometimes I laugh even more because, like you pointed out, you get older and understand more of it.

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Yeah, it's brilliant. Bill Murray is perfect, and so is Dreyfus, gradually losing control.

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Totally agreed, this was one of my favorite movies growing up, I also feel this is one movie that doesn't get a whole lot of attention.

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