Defending Your Life (1991)

 Defending Your Life (1991)

Albert Brooks’s comedy Defending Your Life is a thoughtful, amusing, and generally light-hearted film despite a topic that can be pretty grim depending on your view. There are movies that ask the question, “What happens when you die?” Some movies can be philosophical or even religious. Brooks, on the other hand, chose a different and more intelligent approach to the subject matter. He approached our heavenly adventures as a courtroom film with prosecutors and judges. A very unique spin that is designed to make you think. Brooks later said that he received letters from people whose relatives are dying or dying themselves, and this film made them feel better about their journey ahead. It does ask some questions that can hit home hard. Have you done enough with your life? Is there anything that you could have done better? With only one life given to you, you should live it to the fullest. That was the message that came across for me. The screenplay, written by Brooks, is amusing without many belly laughs (as his films rarely are). My only issue is that while the themes are hard-hitting, the screenplay screams these themes at us for the entire film it seems. I was curious about the outcome of the film’s plot. I like its positive, satisfactory ending which is actually rare for a Brooks feature.

 

Daniel Miller (Albert Brooks) is a successful executive who is proud of his new BMW purchase. The car…and his life go kaboom when he plows into a bus when focusing on his Barbra Streisand album. He wakes up in this place called Judgement City. This city is similar to Earth except the weather is clear and anyone can eat as much food without gaining a pound. What’s the catch? People are put on trial to decide whether to “move on” or “go back.” Clips from the past are used for the trial and fear, rather than the commandments or laws, is the factor looked at in making any decision. Daniel’s cheerful defense lawyer Bob Diamond (Rip Torn) assures him of the situation and that getting pass prosecutor Lena Foster (Lee Grant) will be no easy task. Then he meets Julia (Meryl Streep). Julia has better accommodations and is even on a first-name basis with her defense attorney which Daniel attributes for her living a better life. Yet, he falls in love with her. He is worried that she will “move on” but he will be sent back.

 

This is not a film about bad or good people. It is merely a study about how people live their lives and how they should approach their life. All the characters are very personable or interesting and each actor did a good job in their roles. Albert Brooks showed the most growth and you feel for his character as he goes through many emotions (and had a funny scene eating sushi alone). Even when she doesn’t give all her best, it is a testament to Meryl Streep’s acting skills that made her character one someone could connect with. Streep and Brooks worked so well together. Rip Torn had some of the best lines as I loved his explanation on how he uses every part of the brain.

 

Defending Your Life failed at the box office which isn’t a surprise given the deep material. I commend Brooks for his wise courtroom approach and not being afraid to ask questions even if it can be constant. Brooks did not want to be religious in terms of tone, but rather philosophical. I bought the sparks between Brooks and Streep because both characters are interesting, and the romance angle gave a place for the film to go. It is not a popular movie, but some digging would give you an opportunity watch a good, unique film.

 

My Grade: B