Review Fix chats with Rob Margolies and Tim Realbuto, who discuss their new film, Bobcat Moretti.
Acclaimed award-winning director Rob Margolies teamed with Tim Realbuto — who plays the title character — to create an inspirational narrative to accompany his real-life weight loss journey through boxing. Realbuto actually surpassed (by double) Christian Bale’s shock weight-loss-for-a-film record. (Bale lost 65lbs; Realbuto, 137 lbs). Margolies enlisted a team of doctors, trainers, and nutritionists to assist Tim with his real-life transformation into Bobcat Moretti.
About The Film:
Bobby Moretti is an obese multiple sclerosis patient struggling to cope with personal tragedy. Looking for a fresh start, he takes up boxing, the same sport his late father once practiced. With help from dedicated trainers at the gym, Bobby embarks on a transformative journey to regain his health and self-confidence, shedding over 100 pounds in the process. Along the way, he discovers the strength to overcome his past and move forward with a new sense of purpose.
The first half of the film was shot in September 2020, when Tim weighed in at 398lbs. He weighed 261lbs for the second half of filming in July 2021.
No fat suit, no CGI, Tim Realbuto truly lived the role.
Review Fix: What was the inspiration for this project?
TIM: We really just wanted to create a narrative about an underdog, which is a type of character almost anyone can relate to. We wanted to show people and inspire people, letting them know that really any obstacle can be overcome with the right mindset. The word “impossible” only exists in your brain. You can do the unthinkable and change your life for the better. And the wonderful part of it is, you don’t need to take a magic pill. All you have to do is decide that you want to be a better version of yourself and take one step at a time. Only you can change your life, and that’s a fantastic feeling. We have the power.
Review Fix: What’s your creative process like?
ROB: I start with a concept that I feel I can sell. Then I cast it with the most prominent actors I can afford! That is really what the whole biz comes down to: the best concept and the best cast merged together. With that in place, I could literally write a novel about my process.
TIM: For me, personally, it was a lot of physical training to get into the right body type for the role. I had to go through a major physical transition. But even more importantly, I went through a mental transition to play Bobby as well. I had to make sure I was mentally ready to take on such a big challenge and also that I was ready for such major changes in my personal and professional life.
Review Fix: What makes this different or special?
ROB: The fact that my actor, Bobcat himself, Tim Realbuto actually lost the weight that the screenplay (which he intentionally created) called for. Seeing an actor visually transform on screen without CGI is cool and unique no matter what. Anyone who watches this movie is going to truly be inspired by this. The fact that the movie is very entertaining and easily rewatchable is a bonus. PS. Vivica A. Fox gives a performance that I feel tops her work in Tarantino’s Kill Bill. See her in “Bobcat Moretti” to believe it.
TIM: I think it’s the fact that I lost 154 pounds in the middle of filming, breaking a whole record. I don’t think audiences have ever seen that before. Also, our protagonist has a debilitating disease called Multiple Sclerosis, which is a topic I’ve never seen a mainstream feature film tackle.
Review Fix: What did you learn about yourself through this process?
ROB: How hard quality storytelling and filmmaking is! But I already knew that. However, I truly came into my own on this film and I found my voice by trying to breathe Bobcat’s voice.
TIM: That I can do things I wasn’t aware my body was capable of. That I can wake up every morning and go to set, control my anxiety and be able to focus on the work 24/7. Bobby became such a huge part of me. I learned that I can take on some of his pain, but also let it go at the end of the shooting day.
Review Fix: What are your ultimate goals for this production and for the future?
ROB: My goal is to get people talking about the film once it is in theaters and On Demand everywhere for sale on August 4th. It’s an important film that is a narrative story, not a documentary. In 96 minutes, this film WILL change many lives, touch hearts, and inspire people. That is my goal. For the future? To keep challenging myself and growing as a filmmaker!
TIM: I just want people to see it. In any way they can. Whether they go to the cinema or watch it at home, please watch it. It’s an important, deeply human story, and I hope you’re changed for the better by watching it. I sure was by making it.
Review Fix: What’s next?
ROB: Please look up my NEXT film on IMDB.com, coming out in early 2024, called “In Fidelity” starring Chris Parnell (SNL), Cara Buono (Stranger Things). Dennis Haysbert (24), Willow Shields (The Hunger Games), and Illeana Douglas (Cape Fear). Oh, and Bobcat himself, Tim Realbuto, also has a role in “In Fidelity” as a New York City doorman.
TIM: I have a couple of films coming out later this year, including a horror film and a dark romantic comedy, both of which I’m extremely proud of.
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