Review of Bob Roberts (1992) by Dm K — 06 Sep 2008

It's a Presidential Election year in the US; and that makes it a perfect time to watch Bob Roberts.

I can't say I'm a big fan of everything Tim Robbins has done. As an actor, he's great when he's being directed by Robert Altman (The Player, Short Cuts, Ready to Wear); but his scenery-chewing scene in War of the Worlds is kinda embarassing (and that's not the only example I can think of). As a directorial effort, though, this is pitch perfect. The information on this film says it's from 1994, but it was actually released in 1992 (in time for the 92 Presidential election). None of his other films as director are as well-done as this one. I take that back, none even come close.

This film is as timely today as it was when it was made--less a satire than a fair assement of one aspect of the US political system. One friend I saw it with at the time of its release said as the film ended, "I'm surprised that got made!" I'm sure that's why they dressed it as satire. It would have never played theaters it it was released as the straightforward film it is. If it had real names and faces, it could be a docudrama.