Funny Bones

Funny Bones is a spectacularly unique black comedy film from the mid-90s. It was directed by Peter Chelsom and released in 1995 under the Hollywood Pictures banner. This 128-minute film stands out in an era mainly dominated by action-packed blockbusters. The brilliance of the story is backed by a stellar cast which includes comedy genius Jerry Lewis, versatile actor Oliver Platt, and an incredibly talented British comedian Lee Evans.

The story unfolds around Tommy Fawkes, played by Oliver Platt, a struggling comedian who is the son of a legendary funny man, George Fawkes, embodied by comedy maestro Jerry Lewis. Born and raised in Las Vegas, Tommy Fawkes lives in the shadow of his famous father. Despite his numerous attempts, Tommy failed to achieve the level of comedic success of his father, and this led to his hugely embarrassing flopped debut in Las Vegas.

Haunted by continually dwindling self-esteem and a failure in carving an identity apart from his father’s, he ends up deciding that the solution to his shortcomings as a comedian is to buy someone else’s funnier act. He reckons that his father had done the same decades back from someone in Blackpool, England. This gives him a starting point in his quest for original comedic material. Thus, from the artificial lights of Las Vegas, the plot moves to the mysterious gloom and eccentric charm of Blackpool, England.

In Blackpool, Tommy encounters a variety of quirky local talents. His quest for a new act leads him to cross paths with Jack Parker, played by Lee Evans. Jack is a singularly gifted and wildly peculiar performer with a unique comedic style. However, Jack harbors his own mysterious past, and it's not just gags and laughter on his side of the story. The film is a wild rover in Blackpool and contains multitudes in its plot, with generous amounts of comedy, drama, mystery, and even elements of thriller.

Peter Chelsom did an excellent job in harnessing the talents of the main cast. Oliver Platt portrayed the character of Tommy with a beautiful combination of vulnerability and desperately needed humor. Jerry Lewis didn't miss a beat in playing George, the veteran comedian whose larger-than-life reputation is as much a curse as it is a blessing. Lee Evans, on the other hand, stole the limelight and subtly projected his brilliant performances with an energy that is nothing short of contagious.

It is interesting to note how the film uses the craft of comedy as its central theme. Funny Bones does not rely on simplistic slapstick or simple laugh-out-loud dialogues but delves into the craft and form of humor itself. It explores the different dimensions of humor: from slapstick to stand-up, from one-liners to physical comedy. The film highlights not just the ability to create laughter, but the ability to bear the weight of being a professional humorist, making the tragedy of a clown's life a dominating part of its narrative.

Funny Bones explores comedy as a hereditary trait and a form of cultural currency, traveling across and beyond borders. Chelsom has created a beautiful tapestry of emotions, humor, and questions that linger long after the credits roll. He paints vivid scenes in Blackpool's distinctive locales while beautifully capturing Las Vegas's flashy ambience, offering viewers a visual treat.

The movie also boosts its allure with a strong supporting cast, including Leslie Caron, Richard Griffiths, Sadie Corre, and Oliver Reed. A haunting and beautiful soundtrack created by John Altman complements the film's visual narrative, amplifying its emotionally resonant moments.

To sum up, Funny Bones is a dark, comedic rollercoaster that uses humor to both entertain and probe deep emotional complexities. It showcases outstanding performances by Jerry Lewis, Oliver Platt, and Lee Evans, complemented by its rich themes and stunning visuals. This film is a must-watch and a captivating exploration of the world of a comedian that will make you laugh and contemplate in equal measure.