One of 1996’s unfortunate box-office failures, The Pallbearer is a genuinely funny and sweet film that gives two young and rising stars an opportunity to shine.
David Schwimmer, who’s better known for his role as Ross Geller on TV’s Friends, plays Tom Thompson, a 25-year-old architectural school graduate who still lives at home, dresses poorly and hasn’t had much luck with women. He hasn’t had much luck getting a job either, and has been unemployed for a year after finishing school. Tom receives a phone call from Ruth Abernathy (Barbara Hershey), who informs Tom that her son, Bill has died. Tom can’t remember who Bill is, but can’t refuse Mrs. Abernathy’s request that he be a pallbearer at the funeral.
Tom asks his best friends, Brad (Michael Rapaport) and Scott (Michael Vartan), if they remember Bill. They’re of no help at all, but Scott might be able to lend Tom a suit for the services.
The next day, Mrs. Abernathy arrives at Tom’s house to request that he deliver the eulogy at the funeral, since he supposedly was Bill’s best friend. Tom can’t believe what he’s getting himself involved in, but still can’t bring himself to reveal the truth. The eulogy scene is pricelessly funny, thanks to Schwimmer’s expressive face and mannerisms.
After the funeral, Tom continues to see Mrs. Abernathy to do what he can to help her out since he feels genuinely sorry for her. His offers of assistance lead to the two of them getting into a sexual relationship, which is the last thing that Tom needs at the moment.
Enter Julie DeMarco (Gwyneth Paltrow), a girl that Tom had a crush on during high school. She’s a friend of Scott’s wife, Cynthia (Toni Collette), who tries to hook them up. Julie can’t remember who Tom is, but he is completely enamored by her again. She becomes the focus of his attention and he starts trying to blow off Mrs. Abernathy to pursue Julie.
Schwimmer handles the role of the immature, lovable loser quite deftly. I found him to be much more appealing as Tom than I thought I would. Paltrow, who’s one of the best young talents in Hollywood today, doesn’t get as much of a chance to show off in this film, but she’s dependably good in the role of Julie. Hershey is undeniably alluring as Mrs. Abernathy, and she’s probably the biggest surprise of the film.
The plot, which is very reminiscent of The Graduate, with Schwimmer in the Dustin Hoffman role, still provides a number of twists and turns that are unique. The script, written by Jason Katims and Matt Reeves, provides some great dialogue and truly sweet moments between Tom and Julie.
This is a movie that’s got some flaws, most notably the ending, but overcomes them with talent and charm.
3.0 out of 5.0 stars
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