Sympathetic characters give this movie its depth. Mr. Parish, played by Anthonoy Hopkins, is a wise millionaire who has led a fulfilling life. Near his sixty-fifth birthday, Death takes human form and chooses Parish as a teacher and guide. Brad Pitt plays the dangerous but naive Joe Black (Death). He gets a lesson about love. Parish's young daughter falls in love with Joe Black thinking he is a young man she met in a coffee shop. Parish, his daughter and the rest of the family give Death many lessons about people in a long plot.
The plot of this movie is interesting. Viewers are taken through an intricate dance between the characters and Death. Through this plot we learn about the Parish family and their relationships. There is a subplot of the attempted corporate takeowver of the family's company, which gives added conflict to the story. This plot moves through three hours of film that explains the theme.
Death, and how we deal with it, is the main theme of this film. People can't stop the inevitable, but can learn to enjoy life and be fulfilled. This movie demonstrates that hope and love can make facing death easier.
Meet Joe Black is an entertaining movie that has much to offer for fantasy fans. It does have one major flaw: it's too long. The story could have been told in two hours by cutting some unnecessary scenes. The likeable characters and hopeful theme gives viewers an enjoyable change of pace. I recommend Death Takes a Holiday also.
Until next week.
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