Funny Bones (1995)

An unsuccessful comedian uncovers a family secret and learns the true price of letting inherent talent shine.

Director:

Peter Chelsom

Writers:

Peter Chelsom, Peter Flannery

Stars:

Jerry Lewis, Oliver Platt, Lee Evans

8 wins.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Oliver Platt	...	Tommy Fawkes
Jerry Lewis	...	George Fawkes
Lee Evans	...	Jack Parker
Leslie Caron	...	Katie Parker
Richard Griffiths	...	Jim Minty
Sadie Corre	...	Poodle Woman
Oliver Reed	...	Dolly Hopkins
George Carl	...	Thomas Parker
Freddie Davies	...	Bruno Parker
Ian McNeice	...	Stanley Sharkey
Christopher Greet	...	Lawrence Berger
Peter Gunn	...	Nicky
Gavin Millar	...	Steve Campbell
William Hootkins	...	Al
Terence Rigby	...	Billy Man

Storyline

Tommy Fawkes wants to be a successful comedian but his Las Vegas debut is a failure. He goes back to Blackpool, UK, where his father, also a comedian started and where he spent the summers of his childhood. He starts to search for a partner, a comic relief, with whom he can be famous.

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Plot Keywords:

expatriate | comedian | egg | half brother half brother relationship | brother brother relationship | 

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Taglines:

Comedy. It's in the timing. It's in the material. But mostly, it's in the bones.

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for some language and a scene of tragic violence

Did You Know?

Trivia

First full length cinema film of Lee Evans

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Goofs

During the final scene, while the camera is showing the police at the base of the pole, a spotlight is throwing a very clear shadow of the camera, complete with 'rubber ducky' antenna on the actors.

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Quotes

Steve Campbell: Tell me, of this list, which do you think is the odd one out? House... school... dog... cinema... church.
Jack Parker: [after some thought] Dog.
Steve Campbell: [smiles] Good!
Jack Parker: 'Cause a dog wouldn't go to the cinema, would it?
Steve Campbell: [stares at Jack for a bit, then composes himself] Which of *these* is the odd one out... Malice... jealousy... greed... envy... and... *kindness*.
Jack Parker: [triumphantly] 'And'!

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Connections

References Eraserhead (1977)

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Soundtracks

La Mer
Music by Charles Trenet
Lyrics by Charles Trenet
Performed by Charles Trenet

User Reviews

Fascinating Quirky Film

Here is one more somewhat-unknown film I wish got more notice, although I'm not sure how many would like it because it's so different. It's a bizarre combination of humor and tragedy, of supernatural and straight drama. It's just an odd mix, but I find it very, very interesting and I've seen it three times, equally fascinated each time.

The movie goes back and forth between drama and comedy which makes unsettling for some viewers, but not me. It kept me on my toes, so to speak, even with those multiple viewings. Also in here is another example of how good comedians can be in dramatic roles, in this case, veteran comic Jerry Lewis. Oliver Platt plays his son, and does an outstanding job as the main figure in this film. The comedy is really provided by others, most notably the most tragic figure in the film: "Jack Parker," effectively played by Lee Evans.

There is really is no way to adequately explain this strange film in a few paragraphs. I would just say if you are looking for something different, give this a try. And stay with it, even if the first half hour is not to your liking. You will be rewarded.

Details

Country:

UK USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

31 March 1995 (USA)

Also Known As:

Funny Bones

Filming Locations:

Morecambe, Lancashire, England, UK

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$26,946, 26 March 1995

Gross USA:

$532,268

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$532,268

Company Credits

Production Co:

Hollywood Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

128 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Black and White Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1