Release: 1998-11-12
Runtime: 2h 58m (178 minutes)
William Parrish, media tycoon and loving father, is about to celebrate his 65th birthday. One morning, he is contacted by the inevitable, by hallucination, as he thinks. Later, Death enters his home and his life, personified in human form as Joe Black. His intention was to take William with him, but accidentally, Joe and William's beautiful daughter Susan have already met. Joe begins to develop certain interest in life on Earth, as well as in Susan, who has no clue with whom she's flirting.
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Genres: Fantasy, Drama, Romance
Cast: Claire Forlani, Brad Pitt, Anthony Hopkins, more
Claire Forlani
as Susan Parrish
Brad Pitt
as Joe Black
Anthony Hopkins
as William Parrish
Jake Weber
as Drew
Marcia Gay Harden
as Allison
Jeffrey Tambor
as Quince
Gene Canfield
as Construction Foreman
June Squibb
as Helen
Marylouise Burke
as Lillian
David S. Howard
as Eddie Sloane
Julie Lund
as Drew's Secretary
Diane Kagan
as Jennifer
William Parrish, media tycoon and loving father, is about to celebrate his 65th birthday. One morning, he is contacted by the inevitable, by hallucination, as he thinks. Later, Death enters his home and his life, personified in human form as Joe Black. His intention was to take William with him, but accidentally, Joe and William's beautiful daughter Susan have already met. Joe begins to develop certain interest in life on Earth, as well as in Susan, who has no clue with whom she's flirting.
Sooner or later everyone does.
Meet Joe Black is a romantic fantasy drama film released in 1998, directed and produced by Martin Brest. This movie features a star-studded cast, including Brad Pitt, Anthony Hopkins, and Claire Forlani.
The story revolves around Bill Parrish, a successful businessman celebrating his 65th birthday. During this important milestone, he encounters Death, who takes on human form to learn what it feels like to be alive. In exchange for granting Bill extra days to live, Death claims the body of a young man who has just died after a chance meeting with Bill’s daughter, Susan.
As the plot unfolds, Bill is faced with various challenges, including a corporate merger and his daughters’ relationships. His eldest daughter, Allison, is planning a significant birthday party, while his younger daughter, Susan, is torn between her feelings for her fiancé Drew and her unexpected connection with Joe Black, the personification of Death. This twist leads to a romantic dilemma as Susan finds herself falling in love with Joe, unaware of his true identity.
Throughout the film, Bill tries to protect his family, especially Susan, from the potential dangers of Joe's presence. The story takes a turn as Bill learns that Joe intends to take Susan with him when the time comes for Bill to leave this world. Bill’s plea for Joe to understand the essence of true love creates an emotional climax that brings the themes of life, love, and mortality to the forefront.
Filming for Meet Joe Black took place at various locations, including the Aldrich Mansion in Rhode Island and a coffee shop on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. The movie's release was met with mixed reviews from critics, who praised the performances but criticized the lengthy runtime of nearly three hours and its pacing. Despite its box office struggles in North America, the film found success internationally, grossing a total of $142.9 million worldwide.
Critical reception highlighted Anthony Hopkins's performance as Bill Parrish, which received notable acclaim. However, Brad Pitt's portrayal of Joe Black garnered a more mixed response, with some critics finding it less compelling. The film’s score, composed by Thomas Newman, was widely appreciated and is considered one of his best works.
Though Meet Joe Black earned a nomination for a Razzie Award for Worst Remake or Sequel, it has grown in appreciation over time. The film's exploration of love and mortality resonates with audiences, making it a unique addition to the romantic fantasy genre.
For those interested in a visually stunning film filled with poignant themes and strong performances, Meet Joe Black remains a worthwhile watch.
For more details on the film, you can visit its page on IMDb.
