peanut butter and death?? (Meet Joe Black (DVD))

Name: rathen1971

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Product:	Meet Joe Black (DVD)
Date:	12/06/01 (50 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: you get your moneys worth, fab ending well worth the wait, thoughtful film

Disadvantages: requires some patience, sex scene, swearing

I bought this film after reading one of the other reviews - I was curious. The story is all about Death(Bradd Pitt) who is lonely. He comes down to earth and falls in love with William Parrish's (Anthony Hopkins)daughter (Claire Forlani). Now William is dying and he makes a sort of pact with death. He helps death experience life for a while and in return he gets to live a bit longer. Another thread to the story is that a company member who was a close associate of William and was dating his daughter ends up being exposed as something of a rotter since Joe Black turns up. William's life times work and everything he stood for is in the balance. What a horrible note to die on...but does he?

Bradd Pitt who reminded me of a younger Robert Redford in this, plays a young charmer at the beginning of the film and fits that sort of role well. When he plays death (dont be confused, the plot will clear this up) he is more wooden and not used to conversation and a bit odd to say the least. I can't decide whether Pitt portrayed the role with genius or was so bad it somehow worked. He plays a very quirky role.

The film is 3 hours 19 minutes long and it's no surprise considering it took 5 minutes just for William and death to decide on his name. Despite the films longevity I wouldn't describe it as watching paint drying I would describe it as one of those huge milkshakes that take ages to finish, whilst you want to drink it up quick you don't really mind if it takes a time.

The pace is very slow and I had to turn the sound right up to hear it as the speech is almost at a whisper. It's in keeping with the nature of the film, it slowly, stealthily grabs you and never really reaches a climax. It stays at the same even pace. I can't remember the musical score but I remember an odd cartoon style beat as death wondered around Williams house. It doesn't set out to attack your emotions but I did feel moved in parts.
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br>Anthony Hopkins is fantastic in this as the concerned father as death shows some affection for his daughter. I can't get over Bradd Pitts weird performance though! It's worth watching just to see him in a strange role. A lot of the humour revolves around his quiet demeanour and his curiosity in certain things. It will put a smile on your face.

The "F" word gets mentioned once and then there's a few mild expletives. No blaspheming. There is a sex scene from the waist up. It's because of this I had to wonder what the message of the film was. Are they saying you need to have sex with someone who you find really attractive to experience real love before you get married? If it was I wouldn't write this review. I dont recommend the film because of the unecessary sex scene but have to admit I enjoyed it overall. The message seemed to be that love isn't selfish - It transcends such things. The ending of this film is powerful in a somewhat subdued manner and well worth waiting 3 hours to see. If you watch this film don't expect too much and you will probably enjoy it, you do need to give it your undivided attention to get the most out of it. I have to stress I havent seen a film like this before. I can understand if some people think its awful whilst others think its brilliant. A romance of epic proportions. I enjoyed it and i'll leave it at that.

It is rated a 12 and I think it should be an 18. On the back of the video are quotes such as "charming fantasy", "a visual delight","Pitt does superbly..mesmerising" and "powerhouse performance from Hopkins" All these are true! I think the acting is beyond good (preferring to think that Pitt played the part with genius). I can see this being regarded as a classic. Hope that's enough info for you to decide.

I picked this up on budget.

Summary: