Spoilers
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JujusFlix — 10 years ago(January 25, 2016 02:50 PM)
I like your idea, though I respectfully disagree. Yes, as a romantic, I would like to think that Susan's
love
(Death) could return and finish her life with her and maybe he (it) does in some respect. But other than it being a romantic notion, it's more than a bit disturbing, specifically if you think about it in literal terms, because she wouldn't then be "living her life to the fullest", but instead living in Death's shadow, until she died. Yeah, that still sounds romantic, but also very depressing.
Regardless, I watched that scene after reading your take on it and not only am I not sold on your idea, but I now feel more that it is, in fact, "Coffee Shop" Joe. I know it isn't the popular choice. Everyone seems to feel this is too much to believed. (Honestly I don't know why. This is a movie about Death taking a Holiday (yes, original title, thank you) So, why can't he take a body and give it back? He's death. He is in charge of that after all).
Anyway, I saw those subtle nuances you mentioned (yes,they were very subtle but there nonetheless) and it is my belief that they were there because they BOTH knew exactly what has happened. The knowledge was pretty evident in their eyes. Maybe they just can't put it into words because they think the other will believe they're crazy if they do. Or maybe they don't feel that they have to (for, as you said, the slower audience members).
Honestly, I don't know, but what I believe wholeheartedly is that the person at the end was
not
Death. Pitt, in his minimal acting, let the audience see much more light within than we ever saw in his portrayal of Death.
Just my opinion. Not better, just different than yours. But thanks for sharing yours so I can at last come to peace with mine.
"Good times, noodle salad" -
chucalv1 — 9 years ago(October 24, 2016 08:09 PM)
No, I think the OP is right. It was Death who returned, not the coffeeshop guy. The lines "What do we do now?" "It'll come to us." hint to the audience that the guy that returned was Joe Death because that was the exact same conversation that happened earlier on in the movie between Susan and Joe Death after their lovemaking.