Bob Roberts

Since election day is finally upon us, I thought it would be fitting to take a look back at one of my favorite political movies, 1992's Bob Roberts.

Tim Robbins makes his directorial debut and stars in the fictional title role as a folk singing republican making a bid for a senate seat. His easy going exterior masks some ulterior, darker motives that a reporter named Bugs Raplin, Giancarlo Esposito, is trying to expose.

After this chaotic election season, I can't think of a more fitting film. Robbins displays that he is just as gifted behind the camera as in front. And he has assembled an impressive cast of friends and former coworkers to bring his vision to life. They include Susan Sarandon, John Cusack, Peter Gallagher, Gore Vidal, Ray Wise, Jack Black, James Spader, and Fred Ward, just to name a few. Alan Rickman is especially good as Roberts dour campaign manager with a sinister agenda.

Robbins created this character as a sketch on SNL. When he began writing the film, he envisioned it as a cross between the Bob Dylan documentary Don't Look Now and This Is Spinal Tap.

Bob Roberts is a very smart and funny mockumentary that is just as relatable today as it was when it was released.

It's available on dvd.