Meet Joe Black (1998)
A sweeping fantasy romance in which Death takes human form, falls in love, and forces a powerful man to confront his own mortality.
Meet Joe Black - Movie Information
- Original Title: Meet Joe Black
- Release Year: 1998
- Directed by: Martin Brest
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Fantasy, Drama, Romance
- Age Rating (US): PG-13
- Runtime: 2h 58m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: Dutch, English
- Release Date (Theatrical): November 12, 1998 (United States - PG-13), January 15, 1999 (United Kingdom - 12), January 14, 1999 (Germany - 6), December 30, 1998 (France - 12), March 11, 1999 (New Zealand - M), March 11, 1999 (Australia - M), December 15, 1998 (Brazil - 12), January 29, 1999 (Italy - T), January 22, 1999 (Spain - A), December 19, 1998 (South Korea - 15)
- Production Companies: Universal Pictures, City Light Films
- Production Countries: United States of America
Meet Joe Black - Plot
Bill Parrish has it all - success, wealth and power. Days before his 65th birthday, he receives a visit from a mysterious stranger, Joe Black, who soon reveals himself as Death. In exchange for extra time, Bill agrees to serve as Joe's earthly guide. But will he regret his choice when Joe unexpectedly falls in love with Bill's beautiful daughter Susan?
Meet Joe Black - Trailer
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Meet Joe Black - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Martin Brest
Main Cast
- Brad Pitt
- Anthony Hopkins
- Claire Forlani
- Jake Weber
- Marcia Gay Harden
- Jeffrey Tambor
- David S. Howard
- Lois Kelly-Miller
- Jahnni St. John
- Richard Clarke
Writers
- Ron Osborn
- Jeff Reno
- Bo Goldman
- Kevin Wade
Producers
- Martin Brest
Meet Joe Black - FAQs
Where can you stream Meet Joe Black?
Meet Joe Black is available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. It can also be rented on FlixFling and watched for free with ads on YouTube Free. Availability may vary by region.
Who plays Death in Meet Joe Black?
Brad Pitt plays Death — credited as Joe Black — in the film. He initially appears as an unnamed young man in a coffee shop before taking on human form as Joe Black, guiding media mogul William Parrish through his final days while unexpectedly falling in love with Parrish's daughter Susan.
Is Meet Joe Black based on a true story or book?
Meet Joe Black is not based on a true story. It is adapted from the 1934 play Death Takes a Holiday by Alberto Casella, which was itself previously adapted into a 1934 film of the same name. The screenplay was written by Ron Osborn, Jeff Reno, Bo Goldman, and Kevin Wade.
What is Meet Joe Black about?
Meet Joe Black follows powerful media mogul Bill Parrish, who is visited by Death in human form just before his 65th birthday. In exchange for more time, Bill must serve as Death's earthly guide. Complications arise when Joe Black unexpectedly falls in love with Bill's daughter Susan, blurring the line between life and mortality.
What is the age rating for Meet Joe Black?
Meet Joe Black is rated PG-13 in the United States. The film contains some sensuality, brief strong language, and thematic elements related to death and the supernatural. It is generally suitable for teenagers and adults, though parental guidance is suggested for younger viewers.
How long is Meet Joe Black?
Meet Joe Black has a runtime of 2 hours and 58 minutes (178 minutes), making it one of the longer mainstream Hollywood releases of the late 1990s. The extended runtime allows the film to develop its central relationships and philosophical themes at a deliberately measured, contemplative pace.
Who directed Meet Joe Black?
Meet Joe Black was directed by Martin Brest, known for Beverly Hills Cop (1984), Midnight Run (1988), and Scent of a Woman (1992). The film was produced by Universal Pictures and City Light Films and released on November 12, 1998. It remains Brest's final directorial credit to date.
Did Meet Joe Black receive positive reviews from critics?
Critical reception for Meet Joe Black was mixed. Many reviewers praised Anthony Hopkins's commanding performance and Emmanuel Lubezki's lush cinematography, while others found the nearly three-hour runtime indulgent. Brad Pitt's understated portrayal of Death divided opinion, though the film has since gained a devoted following among fans of romantic fantasy.
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