Heaven Can Wait

Heaven Can Wait is a whimsical, intriguing comedy-drama directed by Warren Beatty and Buck Henry released in 1978. The film marries a tale of celestial complications and earthly dilemmas, boasting an accomplished cast including Warren Beatty, James Mason, and Julie Christie.

Warren Beatty plays the lead role of Joe Pendleton, a successful quarterback who is well-loved by his peers and consistently demonstrates a charismatic personality and relentless ambition. Joe is depicted as a man devoted to his career and craft, fiercely invested in leading his team, the Los Angeles Rams, to a Super Bowl victory. Despite his fierce commitment to his profession, Joe remains an affable, approachable character, charmingly earnest and sincerely kind-hearted, striking a remarkable balance that Beatty brings to life with aplomb.

As an actor and co-director, Beatty brilliantly showcases his varied talents, fusing moments of light-hearted comedy with abiding tenderness and vulnerability. His effortless ability to switch between frothy humor and profound themes makes Heaven Can Wait both a compelling and relatable film, even when it gambols off into the historical metaphysical narrative field of reincarnation.

The story unfolds when Joe, prematurely taken from his earthly life through an overeager angel's mistake, is caught in an otherworldly mix-up. Ensuing complications lead him to a celestial waiting room, humorously run by the urbane and somewhat bemused Mr. Jordan (played beautifully by James Mason). This non-traditional depiction of the afterlife adds a surreal and whimsical element to the film.

In this celestial version of the personnel department, the angelic beings guide the recently departed through post-life transitions. Mr. Jordan presents Joe with an unexpected proposition— to return to Earth in a recently deceased millionaire's body. Eventually, he comes across an unfamiliar and unique scenario that promises a second chance at life, although assumedly someone else's.

Although skeptical of the arrangement, Joe remains determined to return to his football - a dream momentarily shattered, believing he can somehow convince his old Rams team that he's still alive. Along the way, he encounters and is inexplicably captivated by the radiant environmental advocate and philanthropist, Betty Logan, skillfully portrayed by Julie Christie. Her sincerity and steadfast commitment to her cause steadily draw Joe in, and their nuanced love story offers a heartfelt subplot to the movie.

In a story that could have easily been overly sentimental and clichéd, Heaven Can Wait opts for a tasteful, restrained, and unabashedly touching exploration of second chances, love, life, and destiny. The screenplay, co-written by Warren Beatty and Elaine May, is filled with sharp, clever dialogues that capture the satirical tone of the film. They take the high-concept premise and ground it with humanity, creating a lighter, sweeter reincarnation story that isn't overly saccharine nor nihilistic.

The ensemble cast's performances are commendably strong, and they ensure even the secondary characters pulsate with life. James Mason commands attention with his elegant turn as Mr. Jordan, and Charles Grodin and Dyan Cannon delightfully portray the villainous duo. Julie Christie shines in her role, bringing depth and validity into their growing relationship with an unexpected tenderness that is easy to root for.

Visually, Heaven Can Wait is stunning. Cinematographer William A. Fraker marvelously captures the movie's aesthetic, creating a visually poetic narrative that enhances the film's overall appeal. The score by Dave Grusin is elegant and gently complements the movie's tone.

As a fantasy romantic comedy, Heaven Can Wait exhibits broad charm and broad appeal – it's highly amusing, surprisingly stirring, and has a unique narrative ingenuity. The film is a noteworthy addition to late '70s cinema, marked with a delightfully timeless charm that has allowed it to traverse decades and still resonate with audiences today. Whether you're a fan of Beatty's performances, a sucker for celestial love stories, or a follower of 70's cinema, there's much to be enjoyed in this whimsical, light-hearted film that leaves the audience with much to reflect upon about death, reincarnation, fate, and the essential nature of being.