Based on the F. Scott Fitzgerald story, director David Fincher takes the reigns to tell the curious story of a man who was born old, only to spend his life aging backwards. Now for Fitzgerald and short story purists, the film hardly resembles the original work, outside of the general plot and setting, but it was a short story with underdeveloped ideas and characters, so we will forgive. The tale takes place in New Orleans, where we find an ailing Daisy (Cate Blanchett) instructing her daughter read the journal of the unbelievable story of Benjamin Button (Brad Pitt.) The story takes us from his difficult birth, to a series of vignettes that show a man youngening through history. Many will bring Forrest Gump to mind, but I assure you, the comparisons aren't accurate. Though the two films share a writer, the case of Benjamin is far less sappy, gimmicky, and goofy.
Fincher seems to have taken the film out of his head and used all heart. Yes, the film is a love story, yes there are sweet and cute moments, but trust me, this film is heart wrenching. And everything about the film is pretty much absolutely perfect. Pitt and Blanchett are in top form, as is most of the supporting cast, particularly Taraji P. Henson, who plays Benjamin's adoptive mother, Queenie. The love, joy, and humor she shares with us is second to none this year. Well, as far as other movies are concerned. Brad Pitt deserves an Oscar--I don't think he will finally get one this year--but man does he deserve one. To see him layer on the makeup and CGI of an old man, while still conveying that childhood curiosity and innocence is something to behold. The same goes for his portrayal as he becomes an older soul in a much younger looking body.
Which brings us to the effects, which are spectacular. The way Fincher has blended the performance with the technology is jaw dropping. To see Brad Pitt, with his Thelma and Louise looks, walking around a screen is slightly eerie, but mostly incredible. Blanchett looks down right angelic in her younger, ballet dancer days, and old Benjamin is just astonishing to watch. Everything is great in this film, the screenplay, the pacing, the acting, the production design, the camera work, the cinematography. People who claim digital filmmaking loses soul need to watch this film.
With Benjamin, life isn't measured in the minutes, but in the moments. And in the grand scheme of things, the moment you get to spend with this film, will make you want to freeze it and make it last forever.
Review by: Greg MacLennan
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