This modern
fantasy stars Anthony Hopkins as
William Parrish, a wealthy New
York City media mogul who
suffers a heart attack on the
eve of his 65th birthday;
although he survives,
he senses
that his death is near. On the
same day, Parrish's younger
daughter, Susan (Claire Forlani),
meets a handsome young stranger
(Brad Pitt) at a neighboring
coffee shop and is instantly
smitten. As they part, the young
stranger is killed and his body
is occupied by Death, who is
coming to Earth to warn Parrish
that his death is, indeed,
imminent. Death enters the
Parrish household disguised as
Joe Black, the handsome stranger,
and although Parrish understands
Death's intentions he lets the
family believe that Joe Black is
a young business associate.
Susan is shocked to find the
familiar young man at her family
dinner that evening, and, as she
begins a passionate love affair
with the debonaire stranger, she
has no idea that she has fallen
not for the young stranger from
the coffee shop but for Death
himself. In an effort to prolong
his life and his daughter's
happiness, William agrees to
take Joe on a tour of human life
that includes board meetings,
family parties, and, ultimately,
romance. As long as Joe falls in
love, Parrish remains alive.
This version was inspired by the
Alberto Casella play DEATH TAKES
A HOLIDAY and the subsequent
1934 film. |