Under-rated beauty

Rating: Null/10 (27 November 2002)

((Contains spoilers))
My lasting memory of the first time that I watched Meet Joe Black is the feeling that I didn't want it to end. I don't normally cry at films but this one had me welling up. That was down to several factors, which make this one of the most beautiful films ever, made. First, the acting was superb on all accounts. With the possible exception of Jake Weber's (Drew) mediocrity, which only shows through in comparison to the other leading cast members, everyone played their parts perfectly and believably. Pitt (Joe Black) does well as the naive Death, bemused by the world and it's foibles and overcomes the initial reaction one has when seeing a pretty, blonde boy playing such a fearful character. Forlani (Susan Parish), though not given many lines to get her teeth into, radiates vulnerability, but strangely subservience also. Refreshingly, the beauty of her deliverance is more in her expressions than in her lines; perfect subtleties display her character's thoughts and feelings without having to resort to obvious gestures or words. Finally, Hopkins shows, yet again, his mastery portraying the kind, down-to-earth man that is Bill Parish. Cumbersome lines are delivered with breath-taking accuracy and speed, full of emotion and realism. That is not to say that the film is perfect: Death has many cliqued moments that seem to be ripped straight out of Terry Prachett's discworld series; Bill Parish is all too nice, seeming to have no bad qualities; and the ending sequence leaves those who fell in love with Brad Pitt as Death a little disappointed when Forlani is handed back the original "Joe". There is no mistaking that this is very much a dialogue driven film and if you like a bit of action in your viewing then this is not the movie for you. And at three hours, those who are easily bored will be fidgeting in their seats after about an hour. However, if you can appreciate a well scripted, well acted, well put together romance then you will find a tearful and human story that will prove that the critics DO get it wrong.