New Opinion

Year(s) of Memory:  1998 and various years since.

*****

 

Well, I absolutely hated the movie Meet Joe Black when I saw it in the theater.

Of course, I didn't hate every part of it.  After all, watching a bus take out Brad Pitt...err, his character...was jaw-dropping.  I literally heard an entire theater take in a single deep breath "as one" followed by a chorus of "oh my god" "no way" "did you see that?" in whispers all around me.  The stereo effect was awesome.  For those who didn't know the plot of the movie the idea that such a hunky main character would be taken out in the first few minutes made one heck of an impression.

Yet, when I walked away from this movie I was gravely disappointed.  The length of the film may have had something to do with it:  3 hours.  Also, I had hoped that Death would get the girl.  But, when it came down to it, I think the primary reason that I hated this movie is that it focused a great deal on wealth and money.  Usually focusing on the exploits of the outrageously rich wouldn't irritate me if the plot ends happily or has an element of intrigue or secrets to it, but after three hours of watching the characters of Meet Joe Black plan a "birthday bash" that included fireworks, a big band, and other extravagances and then watching an ending in which Death steps aside from love so that the girl could be with a guy she met in a coffee shop for barely a few moments...it was just too over-the-top for me to walk away liking any of the characters. 

The reason that I've chosen this song and titled this memory "New Opinion" is as follows:

(1) I've re-watched this movie several times over the years searching for a glimmer of redemption.  My new opinion is that is a good movie - still lengthy, but good.  Specifically, the acting by Pitt and Hopkins is superb, the backdrop and scenery is beautiful, and the underlying themes are well-handled once the viewer decides to ignore the glitz.

(2) 'Somewhere Over The Rainbow' - specifically this version which I heard for the first time recently this past year after watching the movie-through-end credits some late night when there was nothing else on.  It is a classic remake with a ukelele in the background and is one of the most haunting and frankly, pretty, versions I've ever heard.  Hawaiian native, Israel "IZ" Kamakawiwo'ole was meant to sing this song.  For this reason alone the movie - or at least the end credits - is worth watching.

*****

Postscript...

When I first heard this song I had no idea who the singer was.  After it appeared on the radio recently, I researched the singer and discovered that Israel "IZ" Kamakawiwo'ole died in 1997 before Meet Joe Black was released.  I am highly appreciative that I, like so many, was able through this movie to have the opportunity to learn of such a brilliant singer and beautiful voice.  The fact that this song and singer were coupled with a movie which focused on "living life to its fullest" actually raised my opinion in general of Meet Joe Black and to the statements being made by the director and screenwriter of the film.