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WHAT ABOUT BOB

Directed by: Frank Oz

Starring: Bill Murray Richard Dreyfuss Julie Hagerty Charlie Korsmo

What About Bob? is one of the most enjoyable com- edies of the year. The humour is straight forward and the plot is simple which makes this the kind of com- edy that appeals to the masses. It is not one of those comedies with ever-so-subtle humour that it is unenjoyable trying to sift out the jokes and under- stand them. However, Bill Murray and Richard Dreyfuss are what makes this movie go. They are the film’s catalysts without a doubt. Without these two uproariously funny guys it would be hard for this film to be as funny and appealing as it is or for it to be the box office semi-smash it was last summer. Using Dreyfuss and Murray as vehicles, director Frank Oz delivers the message ‘*Everyone lovesa friendly psychotic.’’ The plotissimple. Bob Wiley (Murray) is a very troubled individual. Very troubled! He is Scared of open places, closed places, touching things in public, contracting diseases, making good first impressions, sudden cardiac arrest, having his bladder explode, and any other phobia one possibly have. He also breaks into cold sweats, talks to himself, shakes, and has diret syndrome--which isa very rare disorder here one has involuntary periods of cursing profani- ties. Bob spends years of his life playing musical psychiatrists looking for the right doctor to help him. Enter Dr. Leo Marvin (Dreyfuss). His previous Hoctor transfers him to Dr. Marvin’scare. In one Session with Dr. Marvin and believes that there is pope for himself. Believing Dr. Marvin is the smart- est man ever (in fact our lovable psychotic at one point compares everyone else to him: ‘‘He’sso above WS. We’re like the ropes. on the Goodyear blimp’’), 80b promptly follows his doctor on vacation to Lake Vinnapisakee from the city. He then meets and wttaches himself to the doctor’s family and in doing

0 irritates Leo Marvin to the point of extreme ac- ons. Murray is typically funny and once again deliv- ‘fs another brilliant comic performance. This role ts Hrobably the best ever suited for his talents. His ‘onchalant stupidity and his grand over drawn sighs

d exhaling make him the perfect schizophrenic. The

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real surprise lies in the performance of Richard Dreyfuss proving his versatility as an actor, he brings a comedic aura about him that matches, if not sur- passes, that of the wag Bill Murray. The film has a couple problems though. Firstly, the movie doesn’t realize that itis about the degradation and fall from stature of aman that really did not do anything to deserve it. Does failing to understand the needs of today’s kids qualify Dr. Marvin as a tragic hero. - This particular facet of the film is not very funny. However, since this film doesn’t take itself seriously Dr. Marvin’s fall from grace is at least better than Henry Turner’sin Regarding Henry. Secondly, why does the change (from urban to rural) in scenery change Bob’s popularity? Itis hard to believe that Bob would be perceived so differently in two differ- ent societies: asocial outcastin the city anda lovable schizophrenic in the country. Despite these minor shortcomings, What About Bob? isa very funny and entertaining film. Murray and Dreyfuss will tickle your funny bone and the wild and zany script will also succeed in drawing smiles. This film is very interest- ing and enjoyable, and worth renting even though itis a bit silly to be taken serious.

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McMASTER UNIVERSITY MICHAEL G. DeGROOTE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS

McMASTER'S Master of Business Administration program provides a balance between broad coverage in all business areas and in-depth specialization in the subject areas of the student's choice

We offer THREE options to students interested in pursuing MBA studies. Co-op (work-study), full-time and part-time (evenings)

For more information and application materials,

call or write: ADMINISTRATOR, M.B.A. Program School of Business, McMaster University Michael DeGroote Business Building 104 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4M4

(416) 525-9140, Ext. 4433

PEI X-P RESS

January 16, 1992

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