The Challenges Behind ‘What About Bob?’
Production Trials
Released in 1991, ‘What About Bob?’ remains a beloved comedy that has entertained audiences for decades. However, the journey to the screen was far from smooth. The film’s director, Frank Oz, recently provided insights into the various challenges faced during production in an oral history with Rolling Stone Magazine.
On-Set Struggles
Filming included a series of tense moments, including an infamous incident in which Bill Murray reportedly threw a glass on set. While rumors concerning the altercation involving his co-star Richard Dreyfuss have swirled over the years, Oz clarifies the context of the event. He recounts, “I got in a room with Bill and Richard to try and solve a script problem… Bill said something, I’m not sure what it was, but he was obviously in a dark mood.” The situation escalated when Murray threw the glass, scattering it across the room.
Dreyfuss’s Perspective
Dreyfuss, who also spoke with Rolling Stone, expressed lingering resentment towards the film’s production. He cited perceived shortcomings in Oz’s direction and reflected on an incident where Murray allegedly broke the glasses of the late producer Laura Ziskin out of frustration regarding the crew’s inability to secure a day off. Dreyfuss described these moments as “pretty wacky,” while Oz provided a more empathetic interpretation, suggesting Murray acted out of genuine concern for the crew.
The Human Element of Filmmaking
Oz emphasized the complex dynamics present on set, acknowledging that the process of making a film often reveals inherent human flaws. He noted, “Every set has a culture and a dynamic of its own… those bad situations are cracking me up because they show our frailty as human beings.” He recognized that while pressure was high, with millions of dollars and the careers of stars at stake, the intentions behind each person’s actions were often rooted in the desire for creative success.
Confronting Misconceptions
For years, Dreyfuss accused Murray of throwing a glass directly at him. However, in a recent clarification, Murray asserted he aimed the glass away from Dreyfuss. Each actor’s recollection highlights the subjective nature of their experiences on set, a point that Oz finds important to consider: “We all have imperfections… Looking back, it’s just so funny to me.”
