Meet Joe Black
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Movie Reviews of Meet Joe Black
Movie Review: Not For Viewer's With ADD and/or Limited IQ...
Summary: 5 Stars
Loosely based on the three acte play "Death Takes A Holiday"; This film brings more depth and dimension to the concept of the original story than perhaps even the playwright could have dreamed of. The main focus and character of the film's story line is "Death." And since death is a something of an esoteric topic and not exactly a character you can readily research; I think anyone would have to applaud Brad Pitt's performance in this role. There is nothing superficial about this movie. It is deep and it leaves a few questions for the viewer to figure out and yes, there are answers. It needs to be viewed more than once to really gather it all in. Anthony Hopkins plays Bill Parish, the next mortal on the list that "Death" Brad Pitt's character is supposed to call on and take from life. But, you discover through the dialogue that "Death's" curiosity about life has been peaked by Hopkins' character to a point that "Death" can no longer resist. So, "Death" makes a deal with "Parish." He gives "Parish" time in exchange for a tour of life's experiences. The film brings into focus the things that are most important in life and how so often they are put aside for other things until most of our life has gone by and deeply marks the difference between sympathy and empathy. "Meet Joe Black," is clever, funny, touching, romantic and very insightful. Performances by most of the cast were outstanding. The film did seem to move a bit slowly in some scenes, and I feel this is really the fault of direction rather than script or acting. Thought provoking and worth viewing again and again.Movie Review: A wonderful combination of acting, emotion and music!
Summary: 5 Stars
I've seen this movie several times and never get tired of seeing it. Like tiramisu -- a wonderful rich combination of flavors that can be enjoyed again and again.The acting is superb. Performances are delivered with such precision and attention to gestures, facial expressions, and timing of dialog. The three main actors, Hopkins, Pitt and Forlani are excellent in their roles.
The music is beautifully orchestrated to blend with every scene. It definitely intensifies the emotion of the story.
I was intrigued by the storyline and expected to get a perspective on death and the afterlife. The movie touches on that, but focuses more on the celebration of life. The romance between Joe and Susan becomes the primary theme along with Joe's (death's) awe and discovery of life.
In contrast to the more serious drama in the film are scenes that convey a humorous note to the story with Joe's naive behaviour and mannerisms.
There is magic between Pitt and Forlani playing Joe and Susan. Their scenes convey so much passion. My favorite is the pool side scene. The lighting is gorgeous on these two beautiful young people. They radiate a distictively pink glow. Faces are shot in exteme close-up. The music builds and lips quiver, as the two experience each other for the first time.
The DVD provides very interesting details on the background of the movie. The actors comment on the roles and interaction with the other actors and the challenges that were encountered in making the movie.
I love watching movies, but never had one I considered my all time favorite. Now, I can definitely say this is it!
Movie Review: Death and taxes.
Summary: 5 Stars
Well, if you aren't touched at least 65 minutes into the film (the hospital scene), I don't know when it'll hit you. Wow. Great performances by Anthony Hopkins as Bill Parrish and Brad Pitt, as Joe (Death) Black. Claire Forlani couldn't have been better cast for her part as Susan (Bill's daughter); a doctor in the hospital in which Joe makes an unscheduled visit. There's also a very touching scene between Bill (speaking of his late wife) and Joe, over a cold lamb sandwich.
Jeffrey Tambor as Quince, and Marcia Gay Harden as Allison ("throwing the Birthday Party of the Century" - for her Dad, Bill) lend great support to this story of a man's soon-to-be demise from the world. And Jake Weber as Drew, the long-suffering boyfriend of Susan (and also the back-stabbing business partner of Bill), who really takes a mental pounding from Joe; which at times is hilarious. The second dinner scene with a slight confrontation between Drew and Joe may leave you in stitches.
Thought-provoking lessons in living one's life to the fullest, by not taking for granted the little things we ignore while trying to go about "making a living" instead of "living life." Okay, that was corny, but I had to say it. And don't forget your appreciation of peanut butter(?). Of course, you'll have to get used to "Death" kissing Susan. "Thank You" - "You're Welcome."
Love, friendship, family, trust, relations, allegiances. We should all go out in style, like Bill. And Mr. Joe Black was really an agent from the IRS. What a great movie. What an ending. "No Regrets"
Movie Review: Meet Joe Black: Life and Death as gifts of human nature
Summary: 5 Stars
When I first watched Meet Joe Black a few years back, I liked it for what it was: an entertaining romantic movie. But it's been recently that I watched it again, and took the time to watch carefully, analizing content and acting. Despite being a romantic movie, Meet Joe Black offers a lot to reflect upon: man's mortality and our belief in inmortality. It definitely has a message. It really stroke me when almost at the end, Anthony Hopkins almost needs to beg Brad Pitt (Death) to take him with him: "It's hard to let go, isn't it? That's life". Those words had a great impact on me because it made me realize how precious life is, and how little we think about this wonderful gift. Also, the fact that Death is depicted here as a positive character confronts the traditional view of Death as something bad and negative. It teaches us how to "love" Death (e.g: Brad Pitt's words, "Susan, thanks for loving me"). I think M.J.B teach us all how to accept the fact that mortality is part of our human nature and since it is so, how to make the most of life. Also, in the same line of Ghost, it emphasizes good vs evil in life, and the rewards it may hold in the afterlife. I must congratulate the cast on their performances, particularly, both Mr. Hopkins and Brad Pitt. Interpreting Death incarnated in a human body must have been difficult, and same applies to the character performed by Mr. Hopkins in his relation to Death. Both characters are very touching and the bond the develop all through the movie too. Great movie.Movie Review: Claire Forlani... Wow!
Summary: 5 Stars
There is alot to say about this fine movie (my thanks to the director, Martin Brest for slowing things down ), but I'll focus on the big impact for me - Claire Forlani and her complete, breathtaking beauty. Claire Forlani in her evening gown at the end of the movie is one of the most powerful images of femininity I can recall - the way she looks, the way she moves, her control, lack of control, and the things she says, are all stunning to behold.
But thats not where she's the most attractive. Like several other reviewers, I first came across "Meet Joe Black" while I was changing channels on the TV. When I saw Claire Forlani come into the coffee shop, in her ugly gray t-shirt, no hair styling, little makeup, I couldn't tear myself away. This amazing vignette is for me, some of the most compelling footage I've ever seen. Her every glance, movement, in/exhale seems to communicate emotions that build as the scene unfolds as she takes in and responds to this young man she's just met. Lightning struck me too! Wow. (The only thing that seemed unnatural was when the two part company without either of them following up!)
Watching Clair Forlani in this movie changed my image of beauty and femininity. I hope she's given more opportunities to display her talent, poise, and stunning appearance.
Whenever I hear Thomas Newman's magnificent score for this movie, I think of Ms. Forlani and her graceful beauty.