The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett astonish in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
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Thursday, 05, Feb 2009 11:47
Directed by David Fincher, out February 6th, starring Brad Pitt, Cate Blanchett, Tilda Swinton and Taraji P Henson, 159 mins.
In a nutshell.
A lovely and valuable film that will stay on your mind long after you leave the cinema.
What's it all about?
Loosely adapted from F Scott Fitzgerald's short story of the same name, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button follows the story of a man who goes through life on a backwards cycle, as lead and title character Benjamin Button begins his life with the likeness of an 80-year-old man, and ends his life with the likeness of a baby.
The story begins with an ailing Daisy on the verge of death in a hospice in New Orleans, Louisiana in 2005, just as Hurricane Katrina approaches. Her last request of her daughter is to read her Benjamin Button's diary one final time.
Benjamin Button's curious life begins in New Orleans, Louisiana just after the First World War had ended, where Benjamin is abandoned by his biological father and left on the front steps of a nursing home after his mother dies in child-birth. He is found by the woman who raised him as her own son, Queenie (Taraji Henson). Throughout the film, we watch moments of Benjamin's life unfold; his hair turning darker rather than a fading to grey, and his skin becoming free of the plagues of wrinkles as he 'ages'. Despite his physical changes, one thing remains constant; his heart has always been sold to a girl named Daisy (Cate Blanchett).
We watch as the two fall in love with each other, and the complications surrounding their relationship, given the way that they age is similar to two ships passing in the night. Through this, expectations of romance and the way we love, the things we hold dear, and above all, the ways in which we conduct and live our lives are questioned.
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Who's in it?
Brad Pitt shines as the title character in the film, and has been in countless successful movies; everything from Thelma and Louise and Fight Club, to the recently released Burn After Reading.
Also representing the A-list acting crowd is Australian actress Cate Blanchett, who delivers a solid performance as Button's love interest of Daisy. Blanchett is best known for her work in the Elizabeth films, as well as her powerful performances in Notes on a Scandal, I'm Not There, and The Aviator.
Finally, Taraji P Henson rounds out an impressive cast with her portrayal of Queenie. Henson is best known for her previous roles in Hustle and Flow, and most recently, The Family That Preys.
As an example.
"You're so young." - Daisy
"Only on the outside." - Benjamin Button
"You can be mad as a mad dog about how things went, but in the end, you have to let go." - Benjamin Button
"It's a funny thing coming home. Nothing changes. Everything looks the same, feels the same, even smells the same. You realize what's changed, is you." - Benjamin Button
"[To Daisy] I want to remember us, just as we are now." - Benjamin Button
Likelihood of a trip to the Oscars
Absolutely. The film has already garnered a significant buzz and critical esteem before its release, though despite earning five Golden Globe nominations, for everything from best performance by an actor for Pitt, best supporting actress for Taraji Henson, to best picture of the year, it was left empty-handed.
This film, while it is slightly overlong, has a solid and undeniable quality to it that reminds us of the joys of going to the movies in the first place, which will undoubtedly make its impression further on critics and moviegoers alike.
What the others say
"The Curious Case of Benjamin Button is a monumental achievement - not only one of the best films of the year, but one of the greatest films ever made." - New York Observer
"Richly satisfying serving of deep-dish Hollywood storytelling." - Variety
So is it any good?
Any word less than divine would not give the story told in this film justice. It is beautifully made, easily understood, and delivers lessons we all have learned but often fail to remember in our everyday lives; to let go of anger, to love despite the risks involved, and to go forth with all of our endeavours with a sense of adventure and a willingness to take in the world around us. Most of all, this film reminds us the importance of developing human relationships with those we share the world with.
The filming of this work was shaded with dark colours remnant of the glowing fantasy world it represents, yet somehow, as an audience member, you believe this life of Benjamin's to be as real as our own as you watch it unfold. Perhaps that is what makes some moments so uncomfortable, in which we see Benjamin looking to be an old man at the age of seven, flirting with young Daisy, who actually looks her young age. Yet, while we cringe at the thought, you can't help but keep your eyes glued to the screen through each moment.
Impressive, and what looks to be impossible, works of make-up were applied to Pitt to make him appear to be upwards near 80 years old, as well as watching him grow younger, we are able to see what Pitt looked like in the beginning of his career as a young twentysomething. It is also important to note that the make-up used on Cate Blanchett as she grows older is also incredibly convincing and well done.
Overall, this film is worth the buzz and well worth the ticket price. It is a film of fantasy tied with reality, yet dazzled with a sophistication that allows it to appeal to a more mature audience. David Fincher has directed a brilliant adaptation of a beloved short story, translating it into a touching film that is sure to be well received by the general public and critics alike.
9/10
Valerie Haberman