The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008)

A cool concept is neat, but it needs to last throughout the entire movie.


Title: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Based on the Short Story by: F. Scott Fitzgerald

Director: David Fincher

Starring: Brad Pitt, Cate Blanchett, and Tilda Swinton

Rated: PG-13

Released: 2008

Rating: 3/5

Oscars: 3

Basic Plot: Benjamin Button is born old and grows up into a baby.

The Concept
The concept for this movie is very neat. How would a person grow up old and die young? Besides getting to see this acted out on screen, there is symbolism for those that dig that sort of thing. To me, though, this movie's draw of a person growing up backwards doesn't last long. 30-40 minutes go on and then it loses its charm and this is a 2 hour and 30 minute movie (or a little longer). The slow pace does wear down on one (and this from someone who is mesmerized by 2001: A Space Odyssey all the way through) though there are scenes that make you feel decent for waiting.

Daisy
When Benjamin has his first interaction with Daisy it's very clear that Daisy is his love interest. It's not very subtle which makes their first time together like a bright light shining in your face shouting that they're meant to be together forever. Benjamin does die in her arms, but they do go through some turmoil. Plus, both Daisy and Benjamin get love interests, besides each other, during the movie. So the movie does get some brownie points for that.

Benjamin's Adopted Mother
This woman is a very amusing part of the movie. She is the one to first accept Benjamin and keep him safe. If I had to pick a favorite person of the movie, it would be her. Her strength and faith are very comforting to watch on screen. Benjamin goes away for awhile and she always accepts him back in.

Final Thoughts
Cinema Snobs will really dig this movie as it's slow, drawn out, and has symbolism. Other people that were attracted by the concept only, don't bother watching it. Myself, I can tell the beauty of the film but it had the failings of not holding my interests for the entire movie and making me wonder if it was worth watching the entire movie.