Bob Roberts: political rebellion

Writer, director, actor and songwriter Tim Robbins struts his stuff as a cinematic genius in his 1993 masterwork Bob Roberts.  This political commentary peppered with music videos, folk concerts, documentary vignettes, breaking news and hysterical wit focuses on the use of good for the purposes of evil. Roberts  dishes out a spread enticing to both the most and least discriminating moviegoers.

Bob Roberts, a fascist Pennsylvania senatorial candidate in or around the 1990 race, is best described as a "Rebel Conservative"-an all-American hero. This fencing aficionado and folk superstar fled his parents' communal, utopian society for the yuppiehood of Yale and greed-is-good of Wall Street. Roberts' fans describe him as "righteous," a man who "believes in making money and in being rich;" his enemies ally him with a "conspiracy of saints." The crusty incumbent Sen. Paiste, perfectly contrasts Roberts' regime by being everything a good voter whines for: he advocates the peace movements begun in the '60s; he discusses issues in a relevant, if boring fashion; and he refuses to use negative campaigning to slander his opponent. When faced with scandal, he sticks to the truth. All in all, Roberts  provides the game plan for one charismatic man's takeover of the nation and documents the public reaction to such charm: overwhelming financial support, media bias, and not just supporters, but fans gone ga-ga.

Technically, Roberts  captures the absolute essence of a political campaign proceeding with messianical rabidity. The documentary format gives the illusion of fact in the making - a real and current trend toward B.S. and war and embezzlement. Robbins also takes advantage of a smorgasbord of media, leaving the viewer only slightly unsure as to whether or not she has been brainwashed. Music videos mock the MTV generation and bring the entire film closer to home, making it more intimate and effective. Cameos by such celebs as Susan Sarandon, John Cusack, and Helen Hunt add a bit of spice to the mix.

In case you don't get it, Bob Roberts  earns top billing on Friday's entertainment menu. High-handed humor and good old-fashioned fun make Roberts  an ideal prelude to weekend festivities or a party in itself.

Bob Roberts shows tonight at Kettering 11 at 7:30 p.m., 9:15 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. Admission is $1.