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The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
(2008)
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button had so much Oscar buzz around it before it even came out. The entire aura surrounding the film screams awards season. And, as expected, it managed some nominations at the Globes. Button does have old fashioned, epic sort of feel. Its scale reminds me of Dr. Zhivago, or perhaps even Gone with the Wind. It’s a gorgeous film to watch, and its sets take the audience from the open waters of the Atlantic, to Russia, to the beautiful and nostalgic old South.
The story begins as Hurricane Katrina begins to settle onto land in New Orleans. An elderly woman is clinging to life in a local hospital, as her daughter looks over her, expecting these to be the last moments with her mother. The old woman, Daisy (Cate Blanchett), presents her daughter, Caroline (Julia Ormond) with a diary, written by a man, Benjamin Button, who Daisy knew. Thus, the audience is presented with this curious case, through flashbacks of the narrative Caroline reads from the pages of the old diary.
Benjamin Button, born with all the afflictions of an elderly man, loses his mother at birth, and his father, Thomas Button, gives him up, horrified by the wrinkled little bundle. Dropped on the doorstep of an age home (a genius setting for part of the film), he is taken in and cared for by a worker there, Queenie, played memorably by Taraji P. Henson. The rest of the story follows his amazing life, the people he meets, and the lessons he learns. Think Forrest Gump meets the magical realism of Big Fish.
The film is wonderfully shot. One scene in particular that really stands out, is one in which Benjamin is caught in a fire storm of bullets on the open ocean of the Atlantic during World War II. The cinematography feels terrifying and creative as the bullets, streams of light, streak across the darkness. The more simple shots are beautiful as well. In one scene Benjamin watches as Daisy dances across a dark backdrop as they walk around their hometown. The shots are set up to give goosebumps to viewers. While the shots feel somewhat familiar (i.e. a sunset on a lake house dock) it feels like a good thing. It feels like old fashioned filmmaking, with a touch of innovation.
The performances match that of an epic film, full of loud memorable characters, and the quiet observational behavior of our protagonist, Benjamin. Of course the character of Queenie stands out. She has the same flavor as Mammy did in Gone with the Wind. As Benjamin’s mother figure, she serves as the heart of the movie, guiding him, and caring for him until he is well enough to leave. Her unconditional love is touching, despite falling into a few clichés and stereotypes.
Blanchett’s Daisy is a free spirit. She is a lively ballet dancer, who acts as Benjamin’s central love throughout the film. When they first meet, she embraces Benjamin’s strange condition, and a connection is immediately made. It is an epic love, and the center of Ben’s existence. Daisy is to Benjamin as Lara is to Yuri in Dr. Zhivago. Blanchett shines, as usual. Her unique beauty and spunky characterization really helps Daisy stand out within the film. In other words, she is a convincing love interest.
Another little treasure is Tilda Swinton as Elizabeth Abbott, a secret love of his. She is always a pleasure to watch. The boisterous Captain Mike (Jared Harris) also provides some memorable laughs.
Brad Pitt’s Benjamin Button takes a backseat to the more vibrant characters within the film. He acts as the audience's eyes, taking everything in, learning, and growing. His handsomeness plays an important role, and I what catches Daisy’s attention when they “meet in the middle” of their lifelines. He is an everyman in other aspects, despite his curious condition.
The film attempts to teach us lessons about life, and aging. Benjamin never allows his condition to prevent him from living, and also points out that despite their ages, despite their weaknesses, his companions within the film shine brightly, love deeply, and have all the passion in the world for the things they love. The first half really tries to make a statement about the care of the elderly. The value of having people that have been through so much plays an important role, whether it’s opera singing or surviving seven different lightening strikes. Everyone has a story, everyone has value. We watch Benjamin’s story, and throughout, we get to peek into the lives and loves of those around him.
This is a moving story, if not a bit overstuffed. It’s packed full of beauty. While the film does revisit many clichés, and doesn’t have quiet the heart of Forrest Gump or the magic of Big Fish, it is a good, old fashioned big screen film.
-Conor Aylsworth
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All contents ©
2004-2009 Thoughtsonfilm.com |
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Director:
David Fincher
Writer: Alan Roth and Robin Swicord, F. Scott Fitzgerald
Starring: Brad Pitt, Cate Blanchett, Julia Ormond, Taraji P. Henson, Tilda Swinton, Jared Harris, Jason Flemyng
Distributor: Paramount Pictures
Runtime: 159
min
Rating: PG-13
Release Date: December 25, 2008
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ThoughtsOn Awards: Picture, Cinematography, Special Effects, Production Design
Thoughtsonfilm.com Top 20: #1
Oscar Nominee: Picture, Director, Actor (Pitt), Supporting Actress (Henson), Adapted Screenplay, Cinematography, Editing, Art Direction, Costume Design, Makeup, Score, Sound, Visual Effects
IMDb
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