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Defending Your Life
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Synopsis
Albert Brooks wrote, directed, and stars in this philosophical comedy about a man having a hard time making a case for himself in the afterlife. When advertising executive Daniel Miller (Albert Brooks) finds himself in a fatal car crash minutes after taking delivery on a new BMW, he's whisked away to Judgment City, where the recently dead are put on a sort of trial to decide their fate. If in your time on Earth you were able to face your fears and learn from your mistakes, you get to move on to a life in a better world. However, if you didn't, you have to go back to Earth and try again. As he spends the next several days watching various episodes from his life, Daniel gets the impression he doesn't stand much of a chance of moving on -- and his representative, Bob Diamond (Rip Torn), seems to have little confidence in his case. In the meantime, he frequents Judgment City's many restaurants (where the food is delicious and you can eat all you want without gaining an ounce), pays a visit to the Past Life Pavilion, and meets Julia (Meryl Streep), who seems so kind, sweet, and noble that her advancement is practically assured. Daniel and Julia fall in love, but what's going to happen if they don't end up in the same place? Albert Brooks and Meryl Streep make a witty and engaging romantic team in Defending Your Life, and Shirley MacLaine appears in a highly appropriate cameo. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide

Cast

Shirley MacLaine Herself
Meryl Streep Julia
Albert Brooks Daniel Miller
Lee Grant Lena Foster
Buck Henry Dick Stanley
Rip Torn Bob Diamond

Production Crew

Richard Reynolds Art Director
Allen Daviau Cinematographer
Robert Grand Co-producer
Michael Gore Composer (Music Score)
Deborah L. Scott Costume Designer
Albert Brooks Director
David Finfer Editor
Herb Nanas Executive Producer
Michael Grillo Producer
Ida Random Production Designer
Albert Brooks Screenwriter
Linda de Scenna Set Designer
Thomas D. Causey Sound/Sound Designer
Year: 1991
Runtime: 112
Country: USA
MPAA Rating: PG
Category: Feature

Genre
Comedy
Fantasy

Sound
Dolby

Produced by
Geffen Pictures
Warner Brothers

Release
March 22, 1991 (USA)
by Warner Brothers