dir. & writ. Albert Brooks
feat. Albert Brooks, Meryl Streep, Rip Torn
The concept behind Defending Your Life, proving your life's worth by trial held in a (naturally) funny purgatory with the hope of moving forward to a higher, more enlightened state instead of returning to our world to try again, appears to be a good vehicle for cleverly humorous Brooksian (yeah, that's right) musings on man's dreams, doubts and foibles. And the story moves along amiably enough as yuppy Miller (Brooks), self-conscious and full of angst, crashes his brand new BMW, instantly killing himself, and is quickly transported to Judgement City, a somewhat boring theme park with trams and places like the Past Lives Pavilion where everyone can eat all they want and never gain a pound.
Miller meets Bob Diamond (Torn), his defender, meant to argue his case for enlightenment. Torn brings great life to the quirky Diamond, and does his best to support Miller in the trial that follows, as amusing and often embarrassing moments from Miller's past clearly illustrate a man without backbone or nobility. Unfortunately, this routine distances the audience from Miller, and each return to the room where the prosecutor and judges preside brings with it increasing boredom, calling attention to this strict and limited storytelling device.
Still, Julia (Streep) infuses the story with some life, clearly a noble soul who has no worries in purgatory, having adopted children and saved them from a burning building. Her lighthearted attitude contrasts effectively with Miller's awkward, wary manner, and gives the story a much needed lift in spirit. She is also a believable source of inspiration for Miller, surely enough to kick him forward into bolder action, even if he's a bit slow in in catching up for the predictable conclusion.
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