Defending Your Life

Albert Brooks, 1991
PG; 111 minutes

“This is definitely Brooks’s day in court, and he makes comic heaven of it.” —Desson Thomson, Washington Post

Daniel Miller (Albert Brooks) isn’t having a good week. For starters, he got hit by a bus and died. In the afterlife, he discovers that he must defend his actions on Earth in order to ascend to a higher plane of existence. While awaiting judgment, he meets and falls in love with Julia (Meryl Streep), whose near-perfect life on Earth seemingly makes her a shoo-in for ascension. Daniel’s lifetime actions, however, might not be enough for him to move on.

The “My Favorite Films” series features tales of romance, humor, suspense, satire, and heroism with films since 1945. These films may hold special memories for you—no matter how many times you see them, they continue draw you in once more. While many of these films are available through streaming, it’s always more fun to see them in the theatre. This November, escape into the warmth of laughter and celebrate the season with these cinematic adventures of the heart.

Make a day of it at the Modern and include extra time to visit the galleries. Enjoy lunch in Café Modern and then settle in for an afternoon screening, or plan for a coffee break afterwards with fellow film enthusiasts.

Screenings are at 2 pm most Wednesdays in the auditorium. Tickets are $5 (FREE for Modern members) and are available at the Museum’s admission desk or online. Click here to purchase tickets online.