The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Jeri Jacquin, Movie Maven

Opening in theatres this Christmas is a heartwarming and poignant tale of a life lived in reverse with writer F. Scott Fitzgerald’s’ story of “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”.

This film tells the life journey of Benjamin (Brad Pitt) a baby born in an elderly state. From his humble beginnings in New Orleans right after World War II he lives an unusual life.  Left on the doorstep of a senior home by his frightened father Thomas Button (Jason Flemygn), he is raised by Queenie (Taraji P. Henson).

As Benjamin ages backwards he begins to really live a life and this includes love. As a young-older person he meets a young Daisy (Elle Fanning), who steals his heart. They become great friends but time is still in reverse.

In her early twenties, Daisy (Cate Blanchett) reappears in Benjamin’s life, who is in his late 50’s. His feelings begin to deepen for Daisy but she is still living the life of a young woman and the connection misses again.

He takes off to see the world and, even if briefly, reconnects with his father who attempts to make things right. But Benjamin knows who he is and in that lies his strength.

Finally, Benjamin and Daisy come together, but, time is not on their side and he must decide what is right for them both. In the end they come together one final time to see their lives in each other souls.

FINAL WORD: This film is very emotional from the moment it is on screen. Pitt plays this role with a quiet acceptance of the characters destiny. There is an innocence Pitt portrays with the blank wide-eyed stare as the world stays one step out of sync with him.

Cate Blanchett is riveting as Daisy, a young woman who is confused by her heart and the reality of her love for Benjamin. Is there nothing this woman cannot do? From her winning portrayal of Queen Elizabeth, to Lady Gladriel in Lord of the Rings she is elegant and beautiful to watch. This performance is of the highest caliber.

Tilda Swinton has a marvelous role as Elizabeth Abbott, the woman who opens the world to Benjamin. Julia Ormand plays the straight-forward daughter Caroline. Jarrod Harris also has a small role as Captain Mike, the fisherman who takes Benjamin in and teaches him a trade.

That being said it is extremely long for a short story written by Fitzgerald and that is my only objection as the film comes in at two hours and forty-five minutes. The cinematography is wonderful, the characters are endearing and, in my opinion, these are beautifully flawed human beings. 

Shiloh Jolie-Pitt makes a cameo appearance in this film as Pitt’s infant daughter. This is also a film is directed by David Fincher who has teamed up with Pitt on three other films.

The film already has been nominated for five golden globe nominations, including best picture and three Screen Actors Guild nominations.

TUBS OF POPCORN: I give “The Curious Base of Benjamin Button” four tubs of popcorn out of five. This is a tale that takes time in telling considering it is the lifespan of a man in reverse.

Remember, life is not measured by minutes but by moments.