The late 1990’s and early 2000’s saw the rise of a
unique cinematic trend as Hollywood turned to both the scientific and
spiritual. With conspiracy theories surrounding the impending start of a new
millennium and new technology all around society began to look both inward and
upward as it considered the future that awaited. It was this thirst for all
things both futuristic and mystic that led to the release of such films as Vanilla Sky, The Matrix, and What Dreams May Come, among many others.
One film that particularly stands out in this niche genre is the 1998 fantasy
drama Meet Joe Black, which through
its mediations upon life and death, maintains a timelessness that continues to
resonate long after Y2K has been reduced to a mere footnote in pop culture.
| Leave it to Brad Pitt to make death look dreamy |
The story begins with media tycoon Bill Parrish
(Anthony Hopkins) preparing for his sixty-fifth birthday. After a glimpse into
his wealthy lifestyle, successful business, and happy family life viewers are
left with the impression that Bill is a man who truly has it all, until a
fateful visit from a stranger who is truly out of this realm. One night a young
man arrives at the Parrish mansion and is revealed to be none other than Death
himself (Brad Pitt), but rather than fulfill his duty and collect Bill’s soul
then and there Death offers Bill a proposition that even the shrewd mogul can’t
refuse. The deal at first appears simple enough; Bill will offer his guest a
tour of life as a mortal and in exchange Death will postpone Bill’s demise. As
Death, renamed Joe Black, becomes acclimated to mortal life, however, he also
becomes subject to human emotions as he develops an unusual friendship with
Bill and faces temptation in the form of Bill’s beautiful physician daughter,
Susan (Clarie Forlani). Eventually, Joe and Bill face the unknown together as
Joe experiences life in all its complications and wonder for the first time,
while Bill simultaneously comes to terms with leaving those same experiences behind.
Although the film’s entire premise and central
character are built around death, Meet
Joe the Black is at its heart a cinematic celebration of life. While a long
line of uplifting and inspirational films preceded its release, the film stands
apart through its unique approach in examining life from Death’s perspective. For
new arrival Joe, every day is an adventure into the unknown, as even such
simple acts as crossing the street and eating peanut butter inspire child-like
wonder in him. As a result, the film reminds audiences of thrills and surprises
that we are so often too busy to notice. While Joe’s enthusiasm encourages a
fresh perspective upon the joys of everyday living, Bill’s struggle to come to
terms with his inevitable death reminds viewers of just how fleeting and
precious those simple moments are. Despite the consistent focus upon life’s
many highs, however, death literally remains a consistent presence, with Joe
serving as a sobering reminder of the inevitable end that awaits all of us. Yet
even in its exploration of the characters’ attempts to cope with loss the film
approaches its subject matter with a sensitivity and optimism that ultimately highlights
the value of a life well lived and a death approached with dignity.
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| A deadly dynamic duo |
The film’s uniformly superb cast brings the unusual
story to life in a way that keeps the largely fantastic plot grounded. Marcia
Gay Harden and Jeffrey Tambor lend apt support in their by turns comic and
heartfelt performances as Bill’s older, extroverted, daughter, Allison, and her
inept, but desperate to please husband, Quince. Jake Weber is appropriately
smarmy as Susan’s boyfriend and Bill’s treacherous second-in-command, Drew
without ever falling into stock villain caricature. In Clarie Forlani’s hands Susan is more than
an idealized love interest as she captures the vulnerability beneath Susan’s
self-sufficient exterior. Even in the midst of these excellent performances,
however, the film belongs to Brad Pitt and Anthony Hopkins. Pitt shows he is
capable of far more than pretty boy charm as his Joe evolves from socially
awkward and almost childlike during his early scenes to a fully fleshed and
conflicted character as the film reaches its finish. Similarly Hopkins makes
the most of what easily could have been a one-note role as the warm-hearted
everyman, and infuses Bill with a pathos that keeps audiences invested in his
journey long after we learn what its outcome will be.
A fantasy with real life resonance, Meet Joe Black is a lesson in life and
love for every generation. The film’s excellent script approaches an infamously
dark subject with a light touch and relays a first rate fantasy while still
telling an all too human tale. The superb cast breathes fresh life into age old
questions concerning life and death and lends depth and poignancy to each performances.
Philosophical journey, romantic drama, and fantasy, are just a few of the
things you’ll find when you Meet Joe
Black.
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| Don't fear the reaper... |
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