Comedy : Defending Your Life - 91'

Defending Your Life - 91'

So, finally got around to watching this little gem after 30yrs. It screened where I was working at the time, but dismissed it.

What a treat to watch and thematically right up my alley. I may not have connected with it 30yrs ago as well as I do now.

If this is what the afterlife will represent, and it is also quite a profound and even holistically perceptive take on life on earth and purpose, it would be nothing to "fear".

Overcoming fear and showing courage is the main thread that binds the story together. It represents familiarity too for the recently human deceased, which was a nice touch.

Brooks can be a bit monotone in his characterizations and is pretty much the same persona in all his movies, yet he is witty, sharp and intelligent. Streep is just charming and low-key and not at all affected in her lovely portrayal as Brooks love interest Julia.

Best of all is Rip Torn and Lee Grant, as defender and prosecutor of Brooks past life that just so happened to be taken away from him due to his carelessness. Torn was just perfect as his lawyer defending his life and he got all the lawyer quips and ticks down pat, plus he was a warm and endearing presence. Oscar nom worthy in fact.

Grant was just pure class as always and the knowing of Grant comes through in the knowing of her character. Shirley MacLaine also has the perfect part in a very brief cameo appearance.

For us human "Little Brains", the film also offers food for thought and has had me reflecting on many things over the past couple of days.


Bob Diamond: For example, I use forty-eight percent of my brain. Do you know how much you use?

Daniel Miller: Forty… seven?

Bob Diamond: [laughs] Three.



Norman! What did you put in my tea?

Re: Defending Your Life - 91'

So, you got to watch this cute movie! Nice. I've always liked it. It's warm, intelligent and charming with a nifty comic premise. Meryl Streep gives one of her most likable performances. I also imagine her nearly perfect Julia may more closely resemble the real life (nearly perfect) Streep than almost any one of her other characters.

I always remember the bit that you posted. Sucking up the noodle with a thumb's up from Meryl!

I agree that Grant and Torn are both highlights and are very well set up as comic adversaries. The hyper intelligent Grant matches up well against Torn's usual affable slob routine. They represent their respective genders very well and Grant's relentless eye had me itching in my seat! Lol!

I'm very happy to hear that you enjoyed it, Toasty! It's little things like that which make me feel close to you.

Re: Defending Your Life - 91'

I got to watch it on here. Nice transfer with foreign subtitles only. It has evaded me on DVD hunts.

I knew I would like it, plus your recommendations are always welcome. You make the films you like sound most appealing for whatever reason. It’s that self-assuredness and your own passionate and warm knowing you posses and more importantly, also being comfortable with who you are and what is worth connecting with.

I very much doubt Mr. Dirty, you would have much defending to do for your own life. Like Julia, you would deservedly find yourself in the comfort zone and ready to move on. All those on the shuttle bus being sent back looked downtrodden and morose.

Have you got two accounts @Ilovehutch

Norman! What did you put in my tea?

Re: Defending Your Life - 91'

Yes, I do have two accounts. Actually 3 with Dirty Pillows. Now, all I need is a couple of avatars and a couple of signatures that will blow my own mind. Something from Shirley Jackson and maybe something from Tennessee Williams.

Re: Defending Your Life - 91'

Yes, I do have two accounts. Actually 3 with Dirty Pillows.
Then you have the filthiest, dirtiest, loveliest and Hutchiest socks around….😜

Norman! What did you put in my tea?

Re: Defending Your Life - 91'

It was a good movie, but I had a problem with it. They were supposed to be in love, but they had absolutely ZERO chemistry.



😺 Schrodinger's Cat walks into a bar, and doesn't. 🤨 Let's go, Brandon! 🤨 Try that in a small town.

Re: Defending Your Life - 91'

I can get that aspect. With the scenario though and because they had passed on from the earthly plane and assessing their previous lives, the detached feel of the relationship seemed to work in with the theme.

Plus Daniel was afraid to get too close because he knew Julia was moving on and that played a big part in the plot devise.

Norman! What did you put in my tea?

Re: Defending Your Life - 91'



😺 Schrodinger's Cat walks into a bar, and doesn't. 🤨 Let's go, Brandon! 🤨 Try that in a small town.

Re: Defending Your Life - 91'

They would have loved each more by the end, wherever the end is and wherever they were going.

Norman! What did you put in my tea?

Re: Defending Your Life - 91'

Mmmm.



😺 Schrodinger's Cat walks into a bar, and doesn't. 🤨 Let's go, Brandon! 🤨 Try that in a small town.

Re: Defending Your Life - 91'

None of that naughty sexy chemistry stuff in the afterlife please!

Re: Defending Your Life - 91'



😺 Schrodinger's Cat walks into a bar, and doesn't. 🤨 Let's go, Brandon! 🤨 Try that in a small town.

Re: Defending Your Life - 91'

I watched it back then, I'm a fan of Brooks

If we take the time to see with the heart and not with the mind, we shall see that we are surrounded completely by angels ~ Carlos Santana
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