Meet Joe Black was released in 1998. In this film, wealthy media tycoon William "Bill" Parrish is confronted face-to-face with Death. Death came to Bill with an extraordinary proposition - he'll delay Bill's imminent demise in exchange for a tour of life. Given the name "Joe Black," Death disrupts Bill's world for the length of his "vacation." Joe threatens to change the rules when he begins to understand what love is and grow attached to things on earth. It's a unique tale of life and death.
The first time I actually sat down and watched the entire three hour film, I was immediately fascinated with the profound quotes as the entire movie revolved around the idea of Death, and yet never mentions God, heaven, hell, or Satan. In fact, I think the movie is as much about Love as it is about Death.
If you haven't seen it, I recommend it. Be patient, it's slow moving. At the same time, leave yourself time to process some of the thoughts at the end. I believe there is a lot of Truth hidden in the story and I love discussing it with people after watching it with them. Just read some of these quotes:
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William Parrish (to his daughter): Love is passion, obsession, someone you can't live without. If you don't start with that, what are you going to end up with? Fall head over heels. I say find someone you can love like crazy and who'll love you the same way back. And how do you find him? Forget your head and listen to your heart. I'm not hearing any heart. Run the risk, if you get hurt, you'll come back. Because, the truth is there is no sense living your life without this. To make the journey and not fall deeply in love - well, you haven't lived a life at all. You have to try. Because if you haven't tried, you haven't lived.
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Joe Black: I don't care Bill. I love her.
William Parrish: How perfect for you - to take whatever you want because it pleases you. That's not love.
Joe Black: Then what is it?
William Parrish: Some aimless infatuation which, for the moment, you feel like indulging - it's missing everything that matters.
Joe Black: Which is what?
William Parrish: Trust, responsibility, taking the weight for your choices and feelings, and spending the rest of your life living up to them. And above all, not hurting the object of your love.
Joe Black: So that's what love is according to William Parrish?
William Parrish: Multiply it by infinity, and take it to the depth of forever, and you will still have barely a glimpse of what I'm talking about.
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