"Life can only be understood backwards, but lived forwards"

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Directed by David Fincher

Summary:

The story, based on the short story by F. Scott Fitzgerald, tells the life story of Benjamin Button, played by Brad Pitt. His life isn't like most people's, because he ages backwards. Born on 1918 as an old man, as time progresses he grows younger and younger. Raised my a lady that discovered him abandoned at the steps of a retirement home, Benjamin lives with death happening all around him. He soon meets Daisy, a red-haired, blue-eyed child, that he soon grows a connection with. Through a series of events, Benjamin decides to leave his home and adventure off with a tug boat in the 1930's.

As time progresses, Benjamin gets younger, and everyone he knows gets older including Daisy. The story talks about the understanding of who you are, and that you should follow that no matter who tells you different. The story also talks about how death is inevitable, and that it is as much part of life. Things never last, but we can always hope.

Review:

Story: 27/30

As this was based on a short story only 32 pages long, it was quite impressive that the screenwriter was able to expand the story into a 2 hour and 32 minute film. There are many themes spread throughout the story, and much of the story is laid heavily on the city of New Orleans, where the story takes place. Using hurricane Katrina to set the present day story, and flashing back to the early 1900s, New Orleans is used a great deal.

What caused the aging backwards is never explained, and Benjamin is never confronted on his unusual situation. It is only treated as though he had a illness when he was young. He is the only one like this, and it appears to be a contained situation.

Acting: 24/25

Overall the acting is great. The best of the group is Cate Blanchett, playing Daisy from the age of 23 to the characters death. The supporting actors are convincing in there parts as well. Two negatives to the acting would be Julia Ormond's character Caroline seemed rather one dimensional. As well, Brad Pitt plays Benjamin with minimum expression. In a sense, Benjamin is a dull person. However, this may be because of he constant contact with death has left him without much emotion for life.

Directing: 14/15

Directed with a fairy tale like feel, David Fincher has been able to create an environment where Benjamin's case isn't uncommon. Visually it is stunning. Also the recreation of New Orleans of the past is spot on.

Soundtrack/Score: 10/10

The score is my personal favorite of the year. It is sorrowful at times, as well as magical. Dispersed throughout are the sounds of classic jazz and classical pieces that allow the viewer to feel as though they are there.

Affective Response: 14/15

Unlike Slumdog Millionaire, tCCoBB pulled at my heart strings greatly. I cared for Benjamin and Daisy. As well as all the other characters Benjamin met along the way. And at the end, if I wasn't trying to be manly, I would have definitely been bawling my eyes out. It really was an emotional ending.

Extra: 4/5

The extra given here is to the amazing makeup and graphic arts done on the characters. They could have really mess the entire film up, if the make-up on the actors weren't done correctly. Expecially when Benjamin is a young man by age, but in appearance looks quite old. I won't be suprised with a oscar win for make-up.

Final Score: 93/100

I may be in the minority in believing that The Curious Case of Benjamin Button was a much better film than Slumdog Millionaire. Some may fault on the very long running time, or even the depressing feel of the movie. But to me, it is all necessary to tell the right story. I'm putting this down as may favorite film of the year.