Excellent remake of 'Death Takes A Holiday'

Rating: 10/10 (7 June 2004)

I read in a previous review on this site Brad Pitt's performance described as 'stiff'. That strikes me as a misinterpretation. Brad Pitt plays Death, taking on a body to find out what he's been missing, to discover what life and love are like. I found Mr. Pitt's interpretation, a challenge for any actor, one would think, poignant and even delightful. He seems uncomfortable and uncertain in this body, like someone who has never worn one before, while at the same time he is enjoying the experience and the new discoveries he's making, such as...peanut butter. But even with the uncertainties, there is an underlying sense of power whenever he is brought back to himself. And a wonderful poignancy as he discovers the wonders and heartbreaks of life and love.
The movie moves rather slowly at times, but it seemed to me to build throughout, and the ending is that much more powerful.
A delightful movie. Definitely one for the personal collection.
And besides, it's Brad Pitt looking his best, which one doesn't always see, in his movies.