Christian Symbolism
in 'Meet Joe Black'
BY Darren Richards
sd.d.richards@cliff.shef.ac.uk

Richards is a student at Cliff College and lives in Chelmsford, Essex (UK). He wrote this paper for his Social Studies class and submitted to Hollywood Jesus.

     The film begins in Parrish’s bedroom; he hears only a quiet voice at first in a dream… "Yes". Immediately the viewer is meant to think of God or some dark equivalent. Parrish's looks frantically around in search of whose speaking to him and the viewer is made to feel uneasy. It is reasonable to suggest that at this point the viewer might recall memories of other voices from Heaven, such as at the baptism of Jesus at the beginning of his ministry. This memory cause the viewer to think that the person whom we are watching is someone of importance, perhaps even someone who was about to embark on some-kind of adventure of their own. ‘Dreams’ may also make you think of Joseph or Jacob, both innocent pawns whose eventful lives in Gods service all began with a strange and vivid dream! This maybe tells us that Parrish will have no say or control over any events in the near future.

     Also more plausibly, this scene is reminiscent of Paul’s Damascus road experience.   Like Saul (who became Paul), only Parrish can hear the voice and he is suddenly confronted by a greater power that he has no control over. Parrish is confronted by a voice that he can neither escape, nor ignore nor overcome, just as it was with Saul. A few scenes later we find Parrish echoing Saul's words in desperation- "Who are you!?" Hearing the voice, afraid and unable to see who is speaking to him, just like Paul, the viewer may make the connection in their mind and believe Parish to be someone who is chosen for a purpose!

     Whilst Parrish is eating with his family he once again hears the authoritative God-like voice, "I’m at the door, let me in". The request is repeated until Parrish asks the maid to let him in, then soon after they’ve meet, Death joins Parrish at the meal table. A famous passage in Revelation reads, "Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with them." I think the words Death uses and the subsequent meal are meant to remind the viewer of this passage and spark of thoughts of power, authority and ‘God-likeness’. Once in side the house Parrish meets Death in a darkened library. His first glimpse of him is distorted, through a colored sheet of glass, perhaps signifying Parrish’s inability to fully ‘see’ and comprehend the character of Death- as we fail to fully ‘see’ God. This hazy image reminds me of the passage, ‘. Now we see but a poor reflection…’ However Death soon materializes and steps slowly forward out of the shadows and the darkness, this in itself may well symbolize the fact that he is evil and potentially dangerous, almost like a devil at this point. Interestingly, light is used for Joe again in the film, but in the opposite way during Parrish’s Birthday party.

     ‘Death’ in this film is not the stereotypical ‘Grim-reaper’, whom we would normally expect to see portrayed, he is in fact an enigmatic and God-like being who, apart from his childlike mannerisms, is otherwise indistinguishable from any other person. Death tells Parrish that, ‘He has a specific purpose to perform but he sometimes speculates…’ and it is this speculation and curiosity that causes him to enter the world. Though Death’s motives are obviously divergent from Jesus Christ’s, many of the aspects relating to his incarnation are identical! He is a sentient and seemingly omnipotent spiritual being who through a conscious act of will decides to assume human form and enter our world. In doing so, he joins those he holds dominion over in order that he might experience earthly-life first-hand and better understand the intricacies of the human condition- of love, fear and temptation for instance.

    In the film, Death willingly becomes subject to bodily limitations, vulnerabilities and desires, much the same as Jesus Christ did. Joe Black is fully human and yet fully God-like in his spiritual existence, with depth of understanding and a complexity of being, to great for man to fathom- or at least this is what he tells Parrish. All of these denotative similarities between Joe and Christ, subtly suggest to the viewer that Joe is powerful and to be feared, also that he is a hero of some description, and can be expected to do something heroic perhaps even sacrificial before the end of the film! Through analysis we can clearly see that Joe Black’s involvement in the plot depicts him as a Jesus Christ archetype. At the end of the film Joe does in fact becomes a ‘Savior’ to Parrish, when he restores his good reputation, credibility and position of honor, and makes a painful ‘sacrifice’, choosing not to take Susan with him when he leaves! This is then followed by the resurrection and return of the true ‘coffee shop Joe’, whom Death sends as a comforter and lover for Susan- just as Jesus sent the Holy-spirit after His death and resurrection!

     However- the roles and archetype guises in this film are constantly shifting and although Joe Black could be seen as a representational Christ-like figure during some parts of the film, his character also displays many ungodly attributes. He is sly, manipulative, self-seeking, insensitive and lacks any kind of morality or biblical principles. This is shown clearly in one scene where Susan and Joe sleep together. The director uses close up camera shots of their face’s to communicate the message that ‘what they’re doing is acceptable, innocent and without consequence’- essentially that sex before marriage is fine. This not only complicates Joe’s role as ‘Jesus’ in the film, but also echo’s our societies promiscuous and casual attitude to sex. The archetypes are also changed when Parrish is clearly shown to be like Jesus, during these scenes Joe assumes the guise of ‘God the father’- an omniscient advisor and background presence! I will elaborate on this role reversal more later.

     After the Library Parrish introduces Death to his family! "Meet Joe."… anxious and confused he has to then invent a suitable surname for his new visitor- he chooses ‘BLACK’. This use of color is to symbolize morbidness and darkness, adding to the viewer’s perception of Joe. Whilst at the dinner table we are given a close up shot close up shot of Susan with candle to one side her, then Joe with an identical candle, then Parrish with a candle. The very next ‘head and shoulders’ camera shot is of Drew and the candle is missing. Jesus is called the ‘light of the world’, and candle often symbolizes hope or even church. I believe by making Drew the odd one out the viewer is meant to sub-consciously rate him as less important and perhaps even evil. "Who is doing the job of death while you are on earth?"- Is a question posed by Parrish. Joe replies, "What were you thinking about while you were shaving this morning?"- As Jesus often did, Joe answers a question with a question, and then goes on to explain that he can perform more than one task at a time, just as Parrish can shave and think at the same time. This episode is designed to set the viewer thinking and is similar to the question, ‘Who was running the universe while God hung dead on a cross on earth’. At this point, more parallels can be drawn between Joe and Christ.

     Joe and Susan’s first encounter alone is by the side of a Swimming pool. Water is often symbolic, and as Susan comes gracefully up out of water, imagery of baptism is triggered in the viewer’s mind. This imagery can say a number of things. It may mean she is ‘good person’ and symbolize her purity of heart, or otherwise, it could suggest her beginning a journey or something new. This would make sense as her relationship with Joe begins properly here. When later on, she does find love, passion and obsession in Joe- he is "seductive" and takes on the role as the tempter. She falls uncontrollably "head over heals" for him. During confrontations with Parrish over Susan, it is Parrish who becomes Christ-like and Joe like the devil.

     Susan is Parrish’s favorite and his other daughter is often neglected. She takes on a role similar to the busy and disgruntled Martha in St Luke’s gospel. The viewer may well have compassion for her as she cries and admits that she knows she’s second best. In Luke, Martha is rushing around while Jesus (Mr Parrish) attends to Mary her sister. Throughout the film Allison (the sister) is frantically preparing for her Father’s 65th Birthday Celebration in order that she might be loved and affirmed by him. There is also a scene reminiscent of Jesus healing the demon-possessed. Joe visits the hospital looking for Susan and an old Jamaican lady recognizes him and accuses him of coming to kill her. The viewer may well remember stories in the Bible where men with evil-spirits recognized Jesus and begged for him for mercy, for him not to torture them. The Jamaican lady realizes he’s not there for her and asks for relief from the pain- for healing. Once again this would affirm Joe as a hero and a man of authority and miraculous power in the viewers mind. He also meets her on her level and skillfully adopts her accent, in the same way that Jesus met both the poor and the rich on their own level of need and understanding.

     Towards the end of the film, we see Drew act as Satan. He holds a secret meeting with Parrish’s board (his disciples if you like) and manages to trick ‘Quince' (Allison's husband and Parrish's close friend and colleague) into betraying Parrish. At this point Parrish is portrayed as Jesus ‘the betrayed’, 'Quince' has become like Judas Iscariot - ‘the betrayer’ and the board, like ‘the Disciples’, begin turning their back and doubting Parrish. Drew is deceiving them and viewer is meant to pick up on the devil role he assumes. During the boardroom meetings Joe is always sitting in background behind Parrish –like God the Father ever present behind Christ and his words. The board members look like the12 disciples around the table, and Parrish is at head- the Chairman and mentor who is respected, loved and full of genuine authority. Drew once again acts live the devil, planting destructive ideas and leading people into betrayal. Drew sows seeds of doubt like serpent saying, ‘ He is just doing what Joe says, who is Joe, is this man really capable? Cunningly and deceptively he persuades the board, to force Parrish into retirement, stripping an innocent man of his position, status and respect, just as Jesus was humiliated.

Drew also acts as an accuser. When Quince realizes what he’s done by helping drew he becomes racked by guilt and repentance- like Peter at the cocks crow . Drew is quick tell him that what he’s done is terrible and unforgivable, rubbing salt into the wound. We then learn that Drew is working for a rival company, that he has been in league with all along…Drew is working for the enemy! Once again there is a role shift, Drew is now ‘Judas’ betraying Parrish for money and then losing every thing in the end when his plan back fires! -There is a clear connection between the plot and the gospel, which cause the viewer the dislike Drew and favor Parrish. Just before the party Death helps Parrish receive a full reprieve saying, "He could have given up and told them- backed down, but for may sake he endured humiliation and lost everything." Once again denotative imagery is used to provoke feelings of sympathy and understanding.

     At the Birthday Party, Joe walks towards Susan out of a sea of lights, indicating that he can now be trusted, that he is now good and self-less. This occurs following his saving moral act for Parrish and just before he selflessly gives the ‘coffee shop man’ back to Susan- giving up his life on earth with her, for her. I believe this whole concept is included to make the viewer think of Jesus and compare Him to Joe. Finally at the end of the film, as I’ve already touched upon, the original Joe is resurrected, and walks up over a bridge out of bright light from above. I’ve no doubt that this light, emanating from what should be a dark starry sky, is incorporated to signify hope, new life, a miracle and justice. The resurrection and sending of the comforter- ‘coffee shop man’ and the death of Parrish who enters eternal life guided by Joe (Death) only serves to seal and confirm the intentional Archetype of Joe being like Christ.

Acts 9: 4-6  Rev 3: 20  1Corinth 13:12  John 16: 7  Matthew 3: 16   Luke 10: 38-42 Luke 8: 28  Luke 22: 3  Luke 22: 61-62  Matt 27: 42-44

I WEPT
Date: Mon, 19 Jun 2000
From: eegor

I loved this movie. I can't remember when last I wept during a movie, but I cried for Death's admission of loneliness and friendlessness. He wished to learn about life, and was allowed to glimpse what it is like to love and be part of a loving family, but he would not be allowed to keep the life for which we all yearn. The loving relationship between father and daughters was portrayed beautifully, and the love between Quince and his wife and father-in-law was something to be envied also. I disagree with critics who scoffed at Brad Pitt's speaking to the Jamaican woman in patois. Death would be expected to speak all dialects, but since he was inhabiting a human's body, would have that body's tone of voice.

I think Mr. Pitt did a first-class job in the dual role and seemed to gain stature. I had only previously seen him in 'Thelma and Louise' where he played a villainous teenager. This role showed a good deal of hard work. He is extremely handsome, and like Tom Cruise, Robert Redford, and others before him, he has to work harder to prove himself an actor and not just a pretty face.

The only flaws in the performance may have been due to over-direction or lack of direction, but he held his own next to the great Anthony Hopkins. No one seemed to object when Death spoke in the Mid-Atlantic accent of Mr. Hopkins. It is ironic that so much was spent on this movie to create the lavish sets, etc., and now it seems to be playing better on the 'small screen' where it does not matter if the fireworks were actually shot from real barges in the river instead of being created on a computer.
egordon

HAS FAULTS, BUT WORTH SEEING
May 20, 1999. Hopkins, as always is a great presence on screen. Pitt has a lot of presence too. The story concept was interesting, but the dialouge was dry in parts and the conversation a bit too low keyed for a situation that any normal personal would have difficulty keeping underwraps. Definately worth seeing, though it has its faults. –Val

OBVIOUS DENOTIVE IMAGERY
Feb 19 1999, I'm writing about this film for a bible college essay. I thought it was brilliant, if a a bit padded. I was especially taken back with the 12 around a table and the betrayal. Its so obviously denotive imagery.–Darren

"THE SHADOWLANDS" and "MEET JOE BLACK"
Feb 3 1999, I liked the movie. I thought Pitt was very good in it (especially the Jamaican accent, very believable to this non-Jamaican!) I guess it's almost as close as most of Hollywood will come to addressing spiritual issues. Anytime, however, I see an Anthony Hopkins picture, I can't help but to compare it to "The Shadowlands." That is one of my all-time fav's. smithth@sc.edu

Feb 3 1999, I love brad pitt

STORY IS TOUCHING
Jan 31 1999, I´ve just seen the movie and want to see it again. The story is touching, the whole cast performed a great acting, Brad Pitt looks gorgeous, the music is beautiful so this movie seemed just great to me !!! --Gisel

PITT'S TWO PERSONAS
Jan 29 1999, Brad Pitt was good. He managed to create clear distinction between the identity of death and the nameless guy in the coffeeshop right within himself!!!!

STRONG INTERWOVEN TONES
Jan 26 1999, This is a must see movie, with strong philospophical tones interwoven with a mix of love and adventure. Excellent acting by the entire cast. Makes one introspect after watching it --SID

SEE IT AGAIN
Jan 21, 1999. I thought this movie was great. Great actors and story line. Want to see it again!

YOU NEED TO LIKE BRAD PITT
Jan 20, 1999. I thought the film very good but i think to enjoy this film you really have to like Brad pitt or other wise your in for a very long film that does not need to be this long as well as there's not much in the way of god and life after death. MATT1@wenmanm.freeserve.co.uk

GOOD MOMENTS, BUT...
Although there were some good moments, I was disappointed by this film. I thought it was over-long and heavily padded. I had a difficult time in understanding the low-key, almost whispery conversational tone of the dialogue that was often drowned out by the soundtrack. I was also disappointed that the spiritual aspects of death - Heaven - Hell- God - Jesus - Satan - they were all totally absent from this film. The film had a attitude that death was the end - nothingness forever, The closest Hopkins came to questioning what was in store for him was at the very end when he asked, "Should I be afraid?" Disappointing. -

FOR THOSE WHO BELIEVE...
THIS MOVIE IS FOR THOSE WHO BELEIVE IN TRUTH, LOVE, AND HAPPINES- NO EXPLANATION NECESSARY
FOR THOSE WHO DON'T BELEIVE- NO EXPLANATION POSSIBLE. -IVAN

THE BEST
This movie is the best, I love it and think everyone should go see it because it is great.