In 1992, the idea of a radical right winger who develops a nearly cult-like following initially based on writing songs that "bug the liberals" (as the folk band "The Goldwaters" did in the mid '60s...and yes, there was really a folk band called "The Goldwaters," and they put out an album titled "Songs that Bug the Liberals") becoming a political force seemed a bit far-fetched. Flash forward 30 years, and we can see how prophetic Robbins was.
Robbins co-wrote (the screenplay and the songs), directed, and stars in this mock documentary as Bob himself, with his big, slightly smarmy grin put to good use. With the state of Pennsylvania serving as a microcosm for the U. S., we watch as Roberts visits both large cities in the state and more depressed rural towns, drawing in fervent followers (including one weirdo played by Jack Black, in his first major movie), and singing songs to "own the liberals."
Roberts has a shady financial past and surrounds himself with similar sketchy goons with a crooked idea of patriotism, like Lukas Hart, a cocky SOB who is seen in one scene demanding an apology over the "Iran Contras circus" (as he calls it in front of Congress). Those who disagree with Roberts at his rallies/concerts are physically assaulted. Media outlets who dare to question him are called "socialists," "communists," and "anti-Americans." Roberts and his circle of radicals are briefly seen in a "prayer circle," led by Hart, and the documentary filmmaker is warned not to film them. And as icing on the cake: Roberts eventually utters these words in front of his cult: "Time to Make America Great Again!"
One has to wonder, did people like Newt Gingrich, Roger Ailes, and Rush Limbaugh watch this early '90s? Seeing how Ailes got his dream "news" network launched four short years later, this was distinct possibility. The idea of the media and politics intertwining has been explored before in movies like "A Face in the Crowd" and "Network," but the semi-documentary approach to "Bob Roberts" gives it a more realistic flavor regarding American politics.
Watching this movie now is alternately amusing and eerie. Robbins is a well-known liberal who populates his movie with friends and co-stars from several of his earlier movies, including John Cusack, Peter Gallagher, and of course his partner at the time, Susan Sarandon. Alan Rickman is fantastic, as expected, as the arrogant, corrupt Hart.
The songs are twisted versions of Bob Dylan classics and could have been written by Christopher Guest and Michael McKean, but were penned by Tim Robbins and his brother David. An interesting footnote: Robbins' father was once a member of the folk band "The Highwaymen," known best for their cover of the Civil War-era song "Michael Row the Boat Ashore."
It is rather perplexing that this movie is so hard to find. NetFlix and other streaming services don't offer it. NetFlix DVD rentals don't even offer it as a DVD rental. It is available for purchase on Amazon. The fact that his movie is so buried makes one wonder if the dialogue spouted by Roberts' nemesis in the film, a reporter played by Giancarlo Esposito, at the end of the film is more accurate than we thought.
