The Movie:
It’s common knowledge that Meryl Streep is a national treasure, consistently turning in film performances that range from the sublime to the heartbreaking, but in my opinion she doesn’t receive nearly enough credit for her comedic performances. Such is the case with Defending Your Life, Albert Brooks’ 1991 beginning of the afterlife comedy, where the simple act of Streep eating a giant bowl of pasta is somehow heartwarming, endearing, and hilariously against all rules of polite eating. It’s just a small scene in an excellent film, but within those few minutes it’s impossible not to be won over.
In the film, Streep plays Julia, an unlikely and ill-timed love interest for Albert Brooks’ Daniel Miller. On Earth, Daniel was a bit of a big shot in the advertising industry, but with a personal life in disarray. Divorced and alone on his birthday, his bit of joy consists of buying a new convertible car and joyriding through the streets of Los Angeles while blaring Barbara Streisand from the CD player. A bit of carelessness results in a deadly head on collision with a bus and soon Daniel finds himself in Judgement City, a momentary stop in the afterlife where the powers that be decide if you’re ready to move on or return to Earth to continue to grow. That decision is made after a “not a trial” where a prosecutor presents moments from your life that highlight reasons for you to go one way or the other. Thankfully for the recently deceased, they’re given a chance to defend those choices with the help of a defense attorney.
As the writer/director, Brooks makes the most out of this wonderful premise, leaning heavily into its absurdity when necessary, but also giving it a chance to shine with humanity. Those new to Judgement City are made to feel as comfortable as possible, given simple clothing as well as a hotel room (of varying opulence) to stay in. They’re given a television set with five channels of programs as well as recommended restaurants where they’re able to eat as much as they want without any negative effects. One particular restaurateur provides Daniel with nine pies (to coincide with his amount of judged days) and if nine pies isn’t close to heaven, then I don’t know what is?
But the true joy to be found in Defending Your Life is the interplay between the always anxious Brooks and the radiantly confident Streep. Her trip to Judgment City has been easy, as she’s placed in the nicest possible hotel and her “judgement” has essentially turned into a love fest. Her Julia was a close approximation of a saint during her last trip on Earth, and her moving on is a foregone conclusion. Daniel, however, has more of an uphill battle and as he and Julia fall in love he worries about the strong possibility that she will ascend while he’ll be sent back to Earth to get over the persistent fears that plagued him in life.
Defending Your Life is an absolute joy of a film, reminding us of the trials we face during our lives and how often it is our own choices that hold us back. Personal growth is essential for us to become more than we are capable of, and how important acceptance is, especially from the one person who means the most to us.
Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars
Special Features:
The Disc: As a film that focuses mostly on strong dialogue and interpersonal relations, the 2.0 DTS sound is perfectly fine. It’s not a movie that requires mindblowing surround sound, so as long as the conversations are crisp and clear, I’m happy. The video, from a new 4K restoration approved by the director, won’t be something you’ll use to show off your new television, but is probably the best the film has ever looked.
Extras:
Trailer: a two minute long vintage trailer for the film
Albert Brooks and Robert Weide: a 29 minute discussion between Brooks and filmmaker Weide (a frequent director on Curb Your Enthusiasm) as they discuss various aspects of the film. I would’ve loved for this to have been a feature length commentary.
Albert Brooks, Lee Grant, and Rip Torn: a 13 minute featurette that utilizes clips from interviews from 1991 in which all three actors discuss their various contributions to the film. Originally produced for the television talk show Crook & Chase.
Spending TIme in Judgement City: a newly produced 22 minute featurette in which critic and theologian Donna Bowman discusses issues presented within the film.
The Booklet: contains an essay written by notable horror filmmaker Ari Aster (Hereditary, Midsommar) in which he discusses his love for the films of Albert Brooks
Overall, I found the special features to be rather lackluster.
Rated 2 out of 5 stars
