Bob Roberts (1992) – Nostalgia Central

Tim Robbins’ directorial debut, inspired by the documentary Dont Look Back (1965), depicts Republican senator hopeful Robert ‘Bob’ Roberts Jr. (Robbins himself) as a cunning parody of Bob Dylan.

Using folk-style songs of the 1960s, Roberts preaches conservative ideals with revolutionary flair.

British filmmaker Terry Manchester documents Roberts’ campaign, subtly exposing his casual racism, misogyny, and homophobia.

Conceived initially as a Saturday Night Live sketch, Robbins’ “rebel conservative” character blends traits of recent US presidents, with the Gulf War-era setting sharply criticising the Bush administration.

Tim Robbins touted this project to various studios for 6 years. Ironically, for a film about the American political process, it was the English production company Working Title that provided the necessary funds.

For the film, Robbins cast Alan Rickman as Roberts’ shady aide, Lukas Hart III and Gore Vidal as his fair-minded opponent.

The film satirises superficial politics and offers unsettling parallels to today’s America.

Bob Roberts
Tim Robbins
Bugs Raplin
Giancarlo Esposito
Lukas Hart III
Alan Rickman
Chet MacGregor
Ray Wise
Terry Manchester
Brian Murray
Senator Brickley Paiste
Gore Vidal
Delores Perrigrew
Rebecca Jenkins
Franklin Dockett
Harry Lennix
Clark Anderson
John Ottavino
Bart Macklerooney
Robert Stanton
Clarissa Flan
Kelly Willis
Polly Roberts
Merrilee Dale
Dr Caleb Menck
Tom Atkins
Mack Laflin
David Strathairn
Chuck Marlin
James Spader
Carol Cruise
Pamela Reed
Rose Pondell
Helen Hunt
Dan Riley
Peter Gallagher
Kelly Noble
Lynne Thigpen
Robert Roberts, Sr.
Bingo O’Malley
Constance Roberts
Kathleen Chalfant
Roger Davis
Jack Black
Calvin
Matthew Faber
Burt
Matt McGrath
Mrs Davis
Anita Gillette
Tawna Titan
Susan Sarandon
Chip Daley
Fred Ward
Rita
Shannon Holt
Miss Philadelphia
Staci Marcum
Rock Bork
Fisher Stevens
Reverend Best
Gil Robbins
Cutting Edge Host
John Cusack
Michael Janes
Bob Balaban
Cutting Edge Director
Allan Nicholls
Uzi Kornhauser
Ned Bellamy
Kala Kornhauser
Natalie Strong
Frank Ryan
Pat Logan
Ernesto Galleano
Robert Hegyes
Bif, the Patriot
Brent Hinkley
Senator Haydn
Hal O’Leary

Director
Tim Robbins

Video