Original artwork, not a still
We all know this deal is as certain as death and taxes.
— Meet Joe Black · 1998
Behind the line
What it means
Our interpretation.
Drew uses a stock phrase to close a debate, and Joe, Death in human form, treats it as news about himself. The joke pays off when the 'taxes' half turns out to match the cover story Joe is given at the party. Out of context the line is a ready-made way to say a thing is inevitable, and it is the film's neatest case of Death learning idioms.
Context reviewed
In context
Spoilers for Meet Joe BlackShow the scene
In a Parrish Communications meeting about selling to John Bontecou, Bill Parrish has just said the company is not for sale. Drew, who is pushing the merger, answers that given the need for growth, joining Bontecou is as certain as death and taxes. Joe Black, new to human sayings, asks about the odd pairing and who said it. At the party that night, Joe is introduced to the board as an IRS agent investigating Bontecou, and the phrase comes back as a joke.
Sources (2)
- Springfield! Springfield! transcript: Meet Joe BlackMerger meeting, and again at the board vote at the partyReference checked
- Wikipedia: Meet Joe BlackPlotReference checked
Context reviewed
