Claire Thompson
The 1991 movie What About Bob? stars Bill Murray as Bob Wiley, a patient who is referred to psychiatrist Dr. Leo Marvin, played by Richard Dreyfuss. The film is a humorous take on the patient-doctor relationship, with Bob displaying signs of anxiety and quirky behavior, such as talking to his pet goldfish. One memorable scene involves Bob trying to perform the Heimlich maneuver on Dr. Leo after he starts choking on chicken, resulting in a chaotic yet comedic moment. This movie has left a lasting impression on viewers, with some sharing personal connections to its themes and characters.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Movie Name | What About Bob? |
| Year | 1991 |
| Main Character | Bob Wiley (Bill Murray) |
| Other Characters | Dr. Leo Marvin (Richard Dreyfuss) |
| Plot | Bob is a new patient of psychiatrist Dr. Leo Marvin. Bob has trouble leaving his apartment and exhibits signs of a troubled individual. |
| Memorable Scene | Bob tries to give Leo the Heimlich maneuver but ends up kneeing him in the back until he spits out the chicken. |
| Memorable Quote | "I feel good, I feel great, I feel wonderful" |
| Theme | Comedy, Mental Health |
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What You'll Learn
Bob's quirky behaviour
One of the most notable aspects of Bob's behaviour is his fear of leaving his apartment. When he finally musters the courage to step outside, he sidesteps down the hallway and uses a tissue to open the door, indicating his troubled state of mind. Bob also seems to have a fear of small spaces, as he backs away from entering an elevator. These phobias impact his daily life and showcase his quirky personality.
Another memorable scene involves Bob attempting to perform the Heimlich maneuver on Dr. Leo Marvin, played by Richard Dreyfuss. Bob does a less-than-stellar job, ending up kneeing Leo in the back until he spits out the chicken. This incident is made even more quirky by the song the other characters are singing in the background, "I'm strolling through the kitchen with a bowl full of chicken".
Bob's behaviour is also evident in his interactions with others. When someone tries to use a pay phone that Bob is guarding, he shouts for them to back off as he's expecting an important call. This possessiveness and focus on his own needs showcase a unique social dynamic. Additionally, Bob's use of the phrase "baby steps" to describe his gradual progress in facing his fears becomes a running theme in the movie and is adopted by other characters.
Overall, Bob's quirky behaviour adds a layer of humour and depth to the movie. His unique way of interacting with the world, his fears, and his one-liners make him a memorable and endearing character. "What About Bob?" effectively showcases how Bob's quirks impact those around him and contribute to the film's light-hearted and humorous tone.
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Dr. Leo Marvin
Marvin is first introduced to the film when he receives a phone call from a colleague, who is referring a patient, Bob Wiley, to him. Bob is a needy, obsessive-compulsive, and boundary-pushing patient, and his previous therapist is at his wits' end. Leo agrees to take on Bob as a patient, and their first session is on the final afternoon that Leo is in town before his vacation.
Bob shows up during Leo's family vacation, breaking doctor-patient relationship rules. Bob befriends Leo's family, and they help each other overcome their problems. However, Bob's continued presence pushes Leo over the edge. Leo is rendered catatonic and institutionalized after Bob blows up his lake house, believing the explosives to be a metaphor for his problems.
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Bob's fear of thunder
Bob Wiley, the main character in the 1991 movie *What About Bob?*, has many fears and phobias. He is afraid of leaving his apartment, small spaces, and thunder. This last fear is revealed during a scene in which Bob is giving Dr. Leo Marvin the Heimlich maneuver. As he knees Leo in the back, a crack of thunder roars through the house, causing Bob to shudder in fear.
Despite his fears, Bob is determined to improve his life and takes "baby steps" to face his fears and achieve his goals. This is a running theme in the movie and a piece of advice that Bob receives from Dr. Leo Marvin. However, it is unclear whether this advice is helpful or not, as Bob continues to struggle with his fears and his presence begins to torment Leo.
Overall, Bob's fear of thunder is a small but significant detail in the movie *What About Bob?* It contributes to the characterization of Bob and highlights his mental health struggles and his relationship with Dr. Leo Marvin.
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The Heimlich manoeuvre
In the 1991 movie What About Bob?, the character Bob attempts to give Leo the Heimlich manoeuvre after he starts choking on a bowl full of chicken. However, Bob does a terrible job and ends up kneeing Leo in the back until he spits out the chicken.
While Dr Heimlich claimed that back slaps or blows could be dangerous and even cause death by lodging foreign objects further down the windpipe, this has been discredited by some as lacking scientific evidence. In fact, back blows are often recommended as the first step in treating choking, as they are less violent than abdominal thrusts. Modern protocols suggest encouraging the victim to cough first, followed by hard back slaps, and finally abdominal or chest thrusts as a last resort.
It is worth noting that the Heimlich manoeuvre has come under scrutiny in recent years, with some alleging that Henry Heimlich promoted his technique through fraudulent case reports and intimidation. His claims about the manoeuvre's effectiveness in drowning rescue have been contested, and it is no longer recommended by organisations like the American Heart Association and the Red Cross.
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Baby steps
In the 1991 movie "What About Bob?", starring Bill Murray as Bob Wiley and Richard Dreyfuss as Dr. Leo Marvin, the concept of "baby steps" is introduced as a way for Bob to confront his fears and anxieties.
Bob is a troubled individual who struggles with even the simplest tasks, such as leaving his apartment and using an elevator. To overcome these challenges, he takes "baby steps", a phrase he repeats to himself as a form of self-encouragement. This phrase becomes a running theme in the movie and is even referenced by other characters, indicating its significance in the narrative.
The idea of taking "baby steps" is a central part of Bob's character and his journey throughout the film. It represents his gradual progress in facing his fears and making small but meaningful changes in his life. By taking small, manageable steps, Bob is able to build his confidence and work towards overcoming his anxieties.
The impact of "baby steps" extends beyond the film, as it has also resonated with viewers who have adopted it as a personal mantra. In one instance, a viewer created a book for their father, who was going through a difficult time, titled "The Baby Steps He Was Going to Have to Follow to Get Out of It." This book included pictures and quotes from the movie, serving as a source of encouragement and motivation for the father during his struggles.
Overall, the concept of "baby steps" in "What About Bob?" is a memorable and impactful aspect of the film. It not only drives the narrative and character development but also leaves a lasting impression on audiences, inspiring them to embrace this philosophy in their own lives when facing challenges.
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Frequently asked questions
The film is about a man named Bob Wiley, who is a patient of psychiatrist Dr. Leo Marvin. Bob has various troubles and anxieties, such as a fear of leaving his apartment and small spaces.
In a scene in the film, Leo is choking and Bob attempts to give him the Heimlich maneuver. This results in Bob kneeing Leo in the back until he spits out the chicken he was choking on.
In the film, Bob is seen taking small steps to psyche himself up to leave his apartment, and this has resulted in the iconic "baby steps" quote being associated with the film.
Bob Wiley is played by Bill Murray.
The film was directed by Frank Oz.
