Cast
View All
David Schwimmer
as Tom Thompson
Gwyneth Paltrow
as Julie DeMarco
Michael Rapaport
as Brad Schorr
Toni Collette
as Cynthia
Carol Kane
as Tom's Mother
Michael Vartan
as Scott
Bitty Schram
as Lauren
Jean De Baer
as Suzanne DeMarco
Elizabeth Franz
as Aunt Lucille
Mark Margolis
as Philip DeMarco
Barbara Hershey
as Ruth Abernathy
Edoardo Ballerini
as The Job Interviewer
Matthew Faber
as Jared
Robin Morse
as Sylvie
Tony Machine
as The Undertaker
Crew
Director
- Matt Reeves
Writer
- Jason Katims
- Matt Reeves
Producer
- J.J. Abrams
- Paul Webster
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
The Pallbearer represents a fascinating example of Comedy/Romance cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Matt Reeves brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1996, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Pallbearer took approximately 36 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $8.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 97 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 156 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 8 months to complete.
- The screenplay went through 7 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The costume department created over 249 unique costume pieces for the production.
Historical Context
- In 1996, when this film was released:
- The internet was beginning to transform communication and information access.
- The end of the Cold War was reshaping global politics.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Pallbearer shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike With You in My Arms, which focuses more on action than character development, The Pallbearer subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like The Man and Pepi, Luci, Bom explore similar territory, The Pallbearer stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: May 3, 1996
- Runtime: 1h 37m
- Budget: $8,000,000
- Revenue: $5,656,388
