Albert Brooks, who in his previous films Real Life, Modern Romance, and Lost in America, turned modern neurosis into classic comedy, returns with another rich satiric examination of contemporary life--or, in this case, the afterlife. After purchasing a new BMW, yuppie Daniel Miller (Brooks) promptly locks horns with an upcoming bus, and awakes to find himself in Judgment City--an all-you-can-eat pleasant Purgatory for the Universe. Here, he will be "tried" to determine whether he's ready to move on to a higher life or be sent back to Earth for another go around. Affectionately called a "little brain" (because Earthlings only use 3% of their minds) by the locals, poor Daniel is forced to review incidents from 9 days of his life while attorneys Rip Torn and Lee Grant argue for and against his promotion. For Daniel, the stakes are increased when he meets and falls in love with Julia (Meryl Streep), another defendant who's a sure bet for advancement. There's more than a little wisdom in Brooks' screenplay about the fears that not only hold us back but can radically reshape our lives--ranging from the fear of confronting a schoolyard bully to hesitation about committing to a relationship. In the world according to Albert, neurosis has its comic dividends, but the underlying serious subtext is about missed opportunities and unfulfilled lives. Although the court scenes are flawed by the strangely flat sequences from Daniel's previous life, Defending Your Life comes vibrantly alive during the exchanges between Daniel and Julia. Easily, Brooks' most popular film to date, Defending Your Life is recommended. (R. Pitman)
[Blu-ray/DVD Review—March 17, 2021, Criterion, 111 min., R, DVD: $29.95, Blu-ray: $39.95, Mar. 30] Making its latest appearance on DVD and debut on Blu-ray, 1991’s Defending Your Life boasts a beautiful transfer. Extras include a new conversation between Brooks and filmmaker Robert Weide, a new interview on the afterlife with theologian and critic Donna Bowman, a new program featuring excerpts from 1991 interviews with Brooks and actors Lee Grant and Rip Torn, and a leaflet with an essay by filmmaker Ari Aster. Bottom line: While not quite on the level of Brooks’s earlier films, Defending Your Life still carries a fair amount of comic charm and it shines on Blu-ray.]