New York Times - 09/04/1992
"...A very funny, sometimes prescient satire of American politics....There's a big imagination at work here..."
Los Angeles Times - 09/18/1992
"...A shrewd and scathingly funny piece of pointed political satire..."
Chicago Sun-Times - 09/11/1992
"...[Robbins] uses his very attractiveness -- his open nature, his sunny smile -- to show the hazards of choosing political candidates on their ability to make us feel comfortable..."
Total Film - 03/01/2001
"...The best political satire of the '90s..."
Product Description:
Tim Robbins stars in his directorial debut as right-wing folksinger Bob Roberts in this satirical mock documentary. Roberts is joined on the Pennsylvania senatorial campaign trail by a British documentary filmmaker who offers insight into Roberts, his staff, and his supporters. Roberts is the anti-Bob Dylan, wowing his supporters with tunes such as "Times Are Changin' Back" and "Wall Street Rap" (which includes a video send-up of Dylan's "Subterranean Homesick Blues"). With his clean-cut good looks and squeaky-clean image, Roberts appears as American as apple pie. Yet, like most politicians, he harbors some nasty secrets, including potential involvement in illegal drug trafficking and bank scandals. And like most politicians, he is a master at manipulating the media. Roberts's political trickery turns serious when an innocent man is accused of attempting to assassinate the candidate. Some of Hollywood's best appear as news anchors and reporters, including Susan Sarandon, James Spader, Peter Gallagher, and Helen Hunt. Gore Vidal is immensely believable as the liberal incumbent trying to keep his Senate seat, battling Robbins, who is the consummate politician of the 1990s: lots of fluff and not much substance.
Plot Synopsis:
Right-wing folksinger and senatorial candidate Bob Roberts (Tim Robbins) wants your vote! Armed with his guitar and ultra-conservative ditties like "Times Are Changin' Back" and "Wall Street Rap," Roberts hits the campaign trail in this mock documentary. Seemingly upstanding and as American as apple pie, Roberts has his share of secrets and is a master at manipulating the media. An alleged assassination attempt turns into a lesson in scapegoating and trickery, as well as tragedy.
Tim Robbins made a short film sketch of the Bob Roberts character for Saturday Night Live before embarking on this project. BOB ROBERTS is his feature-length directorial debut.
The film was shot in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
The film's songs that were sung by Bob Roberts were written by Tim and his brother David and produced and arranged by David.
Film Collectors & Archivists: Alpha Video is actively looking for rare and
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