"Meet Joe Black": actors, characters, movie idea

Mystical drama was released in 1998 and immediately chained thousands of fans. Some associated this with the original idea, while others saw the participation of the first Hollywood stars as a reason for success. What is the phenomenon of the popularity of the movie “Meet Joe Black”? Actors, characters and interesting information will become the basis for our thinking.

History of creation

Still, this picture cannot be called an original idea. It is borrowed from the play “Death Takes a Day Off”. It was first filmed in the mid-30s of the last century, and a more modern version appeared in 1971. And if the first one shone at the Venice Film Festival, the second one failed at the box office.

In the late 90s, a team of scriptwriters began a new adaptation. The tape received the name associated with the name of the main character: "Meet Joe Black." Actors as performers of the main roles became the main task of the producers, the search for which they paid special attention to. Firstly, with a budget of 90 million, the picture did not contain special effects, but was a drama in its purest form. Secondly, all three narratives are concentrated on three key characters, because careful casting was not only necessary to recoup the pledged funds, but also bring significant profit.

Money and Brad decide a lot

Still, critics were not able to mock about the fees. Brad Pitt received $ 17.5 million, while other actors in the movie “Meet Joe Black” requested a lot less. What is the reason for such a justified risk of film companies?

Of course, it was Pitta. At the time of filming, he was considered the most sought-after young star, behind whom were Sleeping, Seven, and Devil Property. He got an agent who monthly received stacks of offers from different directors. According to the plot of the picture in question, death in the guise of an attractive young man descends to earth to see what life is like. Given that Brad was recognized as the sexiest actor of that period, no one doubted that he should be invited to this role. The star’s popularity was overwhelming. The film included footage of partial exposure of Pitt, and therefore the expected success was more than guaranteed.

How to become a star

But not only thanks to Brad Pitt, “Meet Joe Black” became successful. The actors who played the remaining roles, also won the recognition of the audience. 26-year-old Englishwoman Claire Forlani was just making her way to Hollywood. And this picture markedly promoted her. Starting with the youth “Party People from the Supermarket”, she was honored to get into the Scala thriller, where Nicolas Cage and Sean Connery became her partners . And later she played in several bright dramas. “Basquiat”, “Basil”, “Suicide” became a wonderful experience before she composed a bright on-screen tandem with Brad Pitt.

By the way, a fleeting romance on the set between the actors fueled spectator interest in the film. The paparazzi caught a couple of kissers, and this was by no means part of the filming process. The creators could not take the opportunity. In general, handsome lovelace Pitt, before meeting his first wife, Jennifer Aniston, often “used” office romances. The loudest of these is a short relationship with Gwyneth Paltrow.

“Meet Joe Black”: actors and roles

Watching firsthand life on Earth, death chooses a newspaper tycoon as his companion. William Parrish is to become a guide and storyteller. In return, he will receive several additional years of life. Joe Black gets acquainted with the device of his company, participates in meetings and even eliminates competitors. But more of the film’s emphasis is placed on relationships with William Susan’s daughter, thanks to whom Black gets the first taste of true feeling. Yes, the picture definitely says that everyone is subject to love.

It is now difficult to imagine someone else in the image of William Parrish. A veteran of a dreamland, Anthony Hopkins, possesses perhaps the most impressive filmography in comparison with his colleagues. He played fathers and desperate heroes, presidents, artists and, of course, psychopaths. The most famous image is the maniac-eater Hannibal Lecter. Warm welcome received most of the films of Hopkins, including “Meet Joe Black”. The actors who worked with him on the site speak of him as a talented partner who always has a lot to learn. By the way, in 1994, Anthony was already playing with Brad Pitt in the military western “Legends of Autumn”.

Reasons for success

The minor actors of the film brought their colors to it. The picture includes the brilliant Jake Weber, March Gay Harden, Jeffrey Tambor. “Joe Black” has collected at the box office over 140 million, as well as a bunch of rave reviews. An important component was called screen images, which embodied the performers of key roles. Viewers noted a harmonious combination of philosophy with worldly drama, and the tape itself was called a beautiful story, which you rarely see on the screen. Despite the nomination “Golden Raspberries” as the worst remake, the tape entered the TOP-250 of the most successful films.

Should I watch the movie “Meet Joe Black”? Actors and roles will undoubtedly leave a vivid, memorable mark, and the main author’s message revealed in the plot will make you look at your life differently.