Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
Brad Pitt | ... | Joe Black / Young Man in Coffee Shop | |
Anthony Hopkins | ... | William Parrish | |
Claire Forlani | ... | Susan Parrish | |
Jake Weber | ... | Drew | |
Marcia Gay Harden | ... | Allison | |
Jeffrey Tambor | ... | Quince | |
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David S. Howard | ... | Eddie Sloane |
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Lois Kelly-Miller | ... | Jamaican Woman |
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Jahnni St. John | ... | Jamaican Woman's Daughter |
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Richard Clarke | ... | Butler |
Marylouise Burke | ... | Lillian | |
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Diane Kagan | ... | Jennifer |
June Squibb | ... | Helen | |
Gene Canfield | ... | Construction Foreman | |
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Suzanne Hevner | ... | Florist |
William Parrish (Sir Anthony Hopkins), media tycoon, loving father, and still a human being, 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 a man's body: Joe Black (Brad Pitt) has arrived. His intention was to take William with him, but accidentally, Joe's former host and William's beautiful daughter Susan (Claire Forlani) 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. Written by Julian Reischl <julianreischl@mac.com>
This is a rather odd film and interesting. I particularly enjoyed the supporting characters who were all excellent. I've always been a fan of Jeffrey Tambor's and found his Quince character to be decent and touching. Jake Weber as Drew was terrific. However, I was blown away by Marcia Gay Harden (playing Allison) and became a big admirer of hers. I'm so glad she's become recognized and acknowledged! What a gifted actress she is. Allison is so real and textured. Marcia makes every scene count. (Mystic River is another example of her great talent.) The best moments in Meet Joe Black were between Marcia and Anthony Hopkins' characters, when she frankly discusses their relationship. She made this movie memorable for me.