Customer Reviews

Meet Joe Black

5 star:		(352)
4 star:		(74)
3 star:		(20)
2 star:		(21)
1 star:		(30)

 

 

I'm not a Brad Pitt fan. His physical attributes don't astound and thrill me! But, I've got to give it to him: He was convincing in his dual roles as the coffee shop sweetie and Mr. Death. Claire Forlani, whom I've never seen in a film before was simply luminous. She's the perfect Susan in this parable of one man's last days on earth. Anthony Hopkins as Bill Parrish is remarkable, as always. He truly makes you feel as though he's a man with little time left and has to spend the rest of his alloted time cleaning up his act, making amends with his loved ones, assuring his daughters that he loves them and has always loved them. Also, Marcia Gay Hardin and Jeffrey Tambor are both extremely good as the number two daughter (in her father's heart) and her slightly inept (business wise) husband. They're both touching. I wasn't put off by the length of the film. I think we should take the time to savor some things in life. Slow down, relax and enjoy this beautiful offering from Martin Brest. You did a good job, Marty!

This film has something that most flicks today can only dream of: class. It doesn't spoon-feed the plot to you, and it doesn't have useless dialogue crammed into every nook and cranny. Those who say this film drags should stick to children's cartoons. There is so much happening beneath the surface. Some just tune out the gaps in dialogue, and that's a real tragedy, because that's when the most happens, and the film really shines. Pitt, Hopkins, and Forlani are tremendous. Pitt's combination of power and innocence is flawless. This film is the most sophisticated to come out in a while, and the fact that the critics don't like it doesn't phase me one bit, nor does it surprise me. Meet Joe Black is a breath of fresh air: a truly elegant film.

I'll admit that only morbid curiosity led me to watch this movie upon it's initial release. The premise of this remake sounded interesting, but the over the top costs and production problems had been tabloid fodder for months. When it didn't do blockbuster business, not many people were surprised.

It's a shame that this movie didn't do better than mediocre reviews and lukewarm boxoffice receipts. There I sat in the audience marveling at the gorgeous design and antiques, not to mention the exquisite costume design. So many films these days go for established designers, but this movie used a studio designer much like the days of the old Hollywood system. The attention to detail is exquisite.

As for the acting, it all boiled down to one scene for me. Anthony Hopkins describing the first time he'd ever had a lamb sandwich to Brad Pitt. It turns into one of the most beautiful remembrance speeches of a widower for the wife he still grieves. Needless to say even this heartless cynic got a bit misty. To have a man express such love without sounding condescending or corny is quite a feat. It's enough to make you believe in the power of a good actor.

Brad Pitt also deserves kudos for this role. Despite living through a personal hell and sustaining an injury, he does a great job in his double role. I thought the scene in which Death says good bye to Claire Forlani's character was some of his best acting.

I didn't see this movie when it first came out in the theatres, and wasn't privvy to all the trash-talk about it's initial box-office flop. Came across it while channel-surfing about a year ago, and only caught bits and pieces of it the first few times- but was intrigued enough by what I saw to eventually buy my own copy; I have now watched it through several times in the last year. This being the 454th review of this film on this site, by no means do I figure to offer any amazing new insights for someone who has never seen this under-appreciated movie. But after reading through several of both the one and five-star reviews on this site, I thought I'd add just a few personal observations. To start, it is worth nothing that about 3/4 of the numerous reviews posted here rate MJB as a 5-star movie. The 5% that relegate it to one star all have a central theme: it was too long, too slow, and pretentious.

Now I am a contemplative sort at heart, but still also enjoy a good pure-action flick, provided the production values, acting, plot and message are sound. Perhaps because I have been a cancer specialist for the past 23 years, and am witness to Death on a frequent basis (in His more obscure, spiritual form), I think those who are critical of the perceived "slowness" of this film just aren't catching what I believe must have been the intent of the director: life generally rushes by in the blink of an eye, but when you are confronted with your own imminent mortality, and the pressing reality of the prospect of Oblivion (or at least the end of all you know as real), everything tends to slow down to a snail's-pace. The last days, hours, minutes of one's life are grasped very dearly, and only relinquished with great resignation.

The pace, therefore, of MJB I believe to be a purposeful attempt to capture that time warp- those who found this movie slow and pretentious just didn't buy into the attempt. I think many of the 5 star reviewers for this movie obviously did. I did, and can only add that when one's life is "flashing before your eyes", it actually "flashes" at a very languid pace. The human spirit holds on as long as it can, to savor what it is about to know no more.

I won't comment on all the other aspects of this very-finely crafted movie, except to say that like so many others, I was riveted by Claire Forlani's physical presence: she didn't have to utter a single syllable in this film for me- Beauty beyond description, so much that even Death Himself was caught in her spell. How some reviewers saw Anthony Hopkins' performance in this film disappointing is beyond me: he's the perfect actor to handle the subdued and introspective nature of his character in MJB. Likewise, Brad Pitt does a credible job with a part that must have posed quite the challenge to portray in a believable way, and yet always manage to convey a sense of other-worldliness. The first time I watched MJB I was put-off by his seemingly stilted, robotic mannerisms and monotone speech- but with repeated viewing, it just fits. This guy (Death) doesn't get out much, after all. Also a nice casting choice to make the human form of Death so physically attractive: a subtle reminder that appearances are yet mortal, fleeting, dust in the wind.

And the musical score is excellent- purposefully grandiose and sweeping at times, and lyrically subdued, tender, and sad at others. Of course, if you thought the movie slow and pretentious, the score probably also seems melodramatic. To each his own.

But I guess to appreciate this movie you just "have to be there" : facing your own mortality with a guaranteed finality, and even an awareness of what will be your final day, your "last rush of time".

If you are in such a place, or perhaps have faced it with a loved one, this movie will ring absolutely true. Recommended, regardless of all the negative hype over the years, as a lasting testament to Life.

Every frame of this film is beautiful. It has the look and feel of a Merchant/Ivory film. The musical score is by Thomas Newman. He is my favorite modern composer. I can hear his reverence for the piano. I can't watch this film without crying no matter how many times I see it. I agree with another reviewer: a favorite scene is when Anthony Hopkins describes how he came to like cold lamb sandwiches. It took great care for this film to take something so simple and give it such depth and richness. If you like love stories, you'll like this film. If you like fantasy, you'll like this film. Because sadly, love and fantasy are so often synonymous.

After reviewing all 206 reviews for this movie, I've come to the realization there is still a majority of intelligent people who watch movies, not just teenagers who want action and adventure. I admit that when my sister gave me this movie to watch, I almost gave it back to her without seeing it because I didn't think I would care for it. Was I wrong! I've seen it three times in a week and I can't believe it was three hours long -- it seemed to carry me away and I didn't want it to stop. I must admit that when the accident scene occurred after the coffee shop, I was so shocked that I thought I'd hate the rest of the movie. I almost turned it off, but I'm so grateful I didn't. By the end of the movie I felt such elation and satisfaction. By the second viewing, I wasn't so shocked by the accident so I was better able to absorb the emotions and interactions of the characters. Since I'm a recent widow (December '98) and then my mother died on my birthday in May of '99, I couldn't imagine ever watching another romantic movie. But the absorbing story just draws you in, and by the time Anthony Hopkins says, "it's hard to say good-bye, isn't it?" I knew exactly how Joe must have felt saying good-bye to Susan. This is a feel-good movie by the end and a roller coaster ride of emotions for three hours Don't listen to the dribble of teenagers who would rather watch movies such as Animal House or Something About Mary -- they probably watch all those stupid sit-coms, too.

This film was out for awhile before I had the opportunity to see it. I immediately watched it a second time, knowing I had missed important dialogue, etc. and needed to go over it again. Brad Pitt is phenomenal in his dual role as perspective boyfriend and Death. The whole cast is perfect for their parts. What a wonderful yet heartbreaking yet uplifting yet lovable yet sad (and I could go on) film. Yes, this film completely engrosses you in so many feelings all at the same time that it is hard to explain just how it does make you feel. I do know you want Death to be a winner and what does that mean???? At the same time, you can't stand to think that the boyfriend may not get his chance at life and love if Death does win. I watch this film frequently and am never bored with it. I LOVE IT!!! I read some other reviews here that found no merit in this film whatsoever. I can't remotely relate to this particular type of opinion. Where has the romance gone for some people? Actually, they don't know what they are missing, do they?

The drama, suspense, humor and sensitivity of the film is excellent. The entire cast is fantastic. Dialog varies from serious, romantic, and sensitive to humorous quips between characters.

The film doesn't rely on gimmicks like car chases and bombs going off. So don't sit back and wait to be wowed by special effects. To fully appreciate this movie you need to pay attention to what's being said. The reward is well worth the effort and you'll enjoy the acting and dialog.

The movie does have some spectacular views of Manhatten, the penthouse and lavish swimming pool, and the country estate approached by helicoptor. The DVD quality is technically excellent -- audio and visuals. It also contains extras including film history for each of the main actors and interesting commentary by actors and the director.

I've seen the movie ("Death Takes a Holiday") that MJB ws based on. I prefer MJB because it portrays life in the 90's -- it's easier to relate to. Even though it deals with the New York elite, it presents issues that are common to most people.

Claire Forlani is wonderful to watch. She portrays an intelligent, sensitive and fun character. Hopkins performance is amazing as always. My favorite scene is when he describes what his wife was like. It's so real as he wipes away the tears. A very touching scene.

The most impressive acting is by Brad Pitt. He has such diversity and range. His gestures, facial expressions, tone of voice are always in command. He plays someone confident, powerful, and in complete control. Yet he has a schoolboy quality when interacting with Susan. He seems vulnerable, clueless, naive, easily embarrased, and shy. The combination of qualities that Susan (Claire Forlani) finds so seductive and charming, yet mysterious. The attraction between these two is so intense. It's wonderful to watch them fall in love.

The interaction between Pitt and Hopkins is also fascinating. At first Joe (Pitt) is very stern explaining that "nothing is negotiable". As time goes on the tension builds between the two and finally mild mannered Joe has had enough -- telling Hopkins "how it is going to be" in a polite but forceful way. The vocal range goes from soft-spoken to fully raised voice and back again.

There is quite a bit of humor sprinkled throughout the movie to keep it light. I missed some of it the first time I saw the movie. While watching it later, I found some parts hilarious - especially the peanut butter scene in the kitchen and by the pool. What a ham (Pitt). He certainly plays up the boyish charm. He takes everything people say literally. In a way it pokes fun at familiar sayings. Some of Pitts behavior reminds me of Stanley Laurel (Laurel & Hardy). Maybe it's the slight English manner. I also cracked up when Pitt started speaking in Jamaican dialect.

It was interesting how mood was set using lighting (or makeup). When Hopkins first meets Joe, he has a very cold look with dark eyes and a stare that never blinks. Throughout the movie, Joe is a pleasant soft spoken character who smiles constantly - someone you would not normally associate with death. Later on, Susan looks at Joe and realizes that he's not there. His makeup is dull (or grey) - he looks ill. It's subtle but very eiry to see the transition.

Then there's the music. What a fantastic score and such variety! The movie is full of background music to set the mood. It's great to listen to -- even as the credits roll there's a really upbeat number playing. The movie is great from beginning to end.

An unusual and interesting story with excellent acting throughout. Interpersonal conflict mixed with a fascinating love story. I loved the scene where Susan talks with the stranger in the coffee shop and without exchanging names discuss rather personal issues. Brad Pitt plays this character so well and naturally - highly animated with lots of smiles and gestures. So much personal charm and appeal. You would expect him to ask Susan out or at least get her phone number. They obviously hit it off, but after all the chit chat they part realizing that they may not meet again. How sad! The music brings out this emotion so that you personally feel the loss of an opportunity that might have sparked a wonderful romance is gone forever.

When Susan sees the guy again and Death has taken his body, she's put off that he doesn't seem the same charming guy she was smitten with in the shop earlier that day. Claire Forlani is another natural for her role as Susan. She conveys so much with her facial expression and the timing of her dialog. Pitt's part as death is peculiar indeed. Awkward, uncertain yet extremely polite. Brad plays this part with a great deal of quirkiness and subtle humor. He's really entertaining. The movie and dialog plays slowly. It allows the viewer to really study and absorb what's going on. As death, Joe pursues Susan with the same fervor as the guy in the coffee shop but with less animation, he's much more formal and rather stiff - always dressed in black, like an undertaker.

Hopkins is equally impressive as Susan's father. he plays the role with the excellence you expect to see from Anthony Hopkins. Another wonderful performance! He's determined to keep his business from being derailed even though has little time left. He conveys so much affection for his family all the time keeping the secret that his life is about to end.

The music throughout this movie is filled with emotion and fits each scene perfectly. I loved the music so much I bought the Soundtrack CD.

"Meet Joe Black" is a highly personal experience. It may not click with everyone, but for those who appreciate its message, it offers much to ponder about relationships, and seeking passion in work, love and life itself.

"Meet Joe Black" and Martin Brest should have beennominated for Oscars for this wonderful work. It has a great story,acting, and music. The story conveys the similarity between being on vacation and experiencing life with all its adventures. It's a little long, but you don't notice because it's easy to get involved in the story and you don't want it to end.

The beautiful Claire Forlani as Susan is superb. I was in awe of her performance. For such a young actress she shows real maturity in her delivery. Brad Pitt is offbeat as the two guys she meets, but he's very entertaining too. He played both parts extremely well. I know some people don't take him seriously as an actor, but he definitly deserves credit for his performance in MJB. He appears to have fun with the role of death and falling in love with Susan. He's really mysterious and secretive, yet likeable at the same time.

I liked the character Drew too. He added some humor with his sophisticated wise cracks. Jeffrey Tambor who played Quince was also good. He played such a suck-up. He would say anything to be liked. In some ways, this movie had something to do with his character versus the more influential characters who had more powerful personalities. Susan starts out being Drew's girlfriend and her father gives her such wonderful advice about finding passion and rapture in her love life. Susan slowly transforms from a person "trying to be agreeable" to someone going after what she wants and willing to express what she truly feels.

I loved the movie ending - such a celebration of life. It makes you realize that if you've lived your life to it's fullest, then you can accept when it's your time to go.