Upon release, Meet Joe Black received mixed reviews (54% on Rotten Tomatoes) and barely broke even at the box office. But over time, it has gained a passionate cult following. Why?
The film’s central conflict arises when a corporate merger threatens to dismantle Parrish’s life’s work. This subplot, often criticized for adding to the film's length, is actually vital to the theme. It juxtaposes "business death" (the selling off of a legacy for profit) with "spiritual death." Parrish’s refusal to sell out to the slimy "Drew" (Jake Weber) mirrors his refusal to go quietly into the night. Meet Joe Black -1998-