This is ANOTHER underappreciated movie. When Meet Joe Black came out, it had a disappointing run at the box office. Critics varied completely. I believe personally that the reason it didn't do well is that when people go to the movies these days, they don't want to think. They want to be mindlessly entertained. This movie does not do that.
First of all, the acting in this movie is AMAZING. Yes, Brad Pitt is a scumbag in many ways, but he's a darn good actor! When he plays two different characters, you KNOW they're different. When he does an accent, it's not subtle, you KNOW he's doing an accent because it's so flawless and smooth. Anthony Hopkins is also amazing. Whenever he speaks as Bill Parrish, you immediately want to listen. In the minor characters, I thoroughly enjoyed watching Jeffery Tambor as Quince, partially because he was in Muppets from Space..hee hee....
Every single one of these characters are REAL. You see their weaknesses, strengths, hopes, all in their eyes or behavior. You see the straightfowardness of the man in the coffee shop. You see the hidden motives of Drew. You see the longing in Allison. You see a husband who loves his wife in Quince.
Next, the writing of the story and script are amazing. Every single one of Bill Parrish's speeches is full of wit and wisdom. The story is engaging, full of character development. The premise of the movie in a nutshell is that Bill Parrish is approached by Death, who wants to take a vacation. Death takes on the name Joe Black and wants to be shown the world through the eyes of Bill Parrish. In exchange, Bill gets more time. (Just as a disclaimer, this movie does have one "romantic scene" that was not needed.. ) The movie is full of bits of humor as Joe goes from one experience to another. And, of course the end leaves Mom and me sobbing.
To close, here is a sample of a Bill Parrish speech:
Joe Black: I don't care Bill. I love her.
William Parrish: How perfect for you - to take whatever you want because it pleases you. That's not love.
Joe: Then what is it?
Bill: Some aimless infatuation which, for the moment, you feel like indulging - it's missing everything that matters.
Joe: Which is what?
Bill: Trust, responsibility, taking the weight for your choices and feelings, and spending the rest of your life living up to them. And above all, not hurting the object of your love.
Joe: So that's what love is according to William Parrish?
Bill: Multiply it by infinity, and take it to the depth of forever, and you will still have barely a glimpse of what I'm talking about.
Joe: Those were my words.
Bill: They're mine now.
Ramin Karimloo is BACK as Phantom in Milan, Italy
6 months ago
3 musings:
There are several reasons why MJB was above the heads of most move viewing audience.
1. Too long – Its attention spans cannot last 3 hours. Gone With the Wind may have been a financial flop if it were produced today.
2. To the movie fan looking for an action film—no action here—not enough of the needed testosterone scenes on which many guys depend to help them forget that their lives are pathetic, meaningless, and without fulfillment. Ever notice how many men are addicted to watching sports? Get a life. How about actually doing something once in a while.
3. To the move fan looking for “wall street power broker drama”—very limited action here—see comment 2
4. To the movie fan looking for a romantic chick-flick, this movie does deliver some of it, but again it’s too long [“like, OMG, who can wait that long, I have more shopping to do…”]
MJB is a move that can only appeal to those who appreciate serious commentary on themes such as a meaningful life, devotion to family, true love, and sacrifice. What is also interesting to me, is that much like LOTR, these themes are covered without any direct reference to a higher power.
So that leaves the unanswered question: how does a person, who has not the benefit of Death providing a warning of such person’s end of life and the assurance that everything will be OK after death, come to grips with the ultimate question? The answer is, of course, found in faith in God and in salvation through JC. Accept your responsibilities, live a life beyond yourself, appreciate every day as a blessing, and remember that we may not have a chance to say goodbye. Your most recent contact with a spouse, child, family member, loved one, friend, work colleague or anyone may be the last one.
Love you darling. I have been so blessed by having you in my life. Just being around you makes me happy—it always has.
Wow! PMF Superman outdid himself and everyone else. That pretty much sums it up.
i love the segment you posted of the speech. love it love it love it. :] my mom loves Meet Joe Black. i haven't myself gotten around to watching it yet tho
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