7.9

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Okay, I purposely missed this film at the cinemas due to what I believed was a clichéd romantic drama but here I am now, reviewing The Curious Case of Benjamin Button which in actual fact is a very interesting and likeable movie. The story revolves around Benjamin, a baby who was born looking like an old man and during his early life as he grew, people thought that he was an old man.

However fate has another plan for Benjamin and as he gets older, he physically starts to look younger. Eventually Benjamin reaches his prime where he believes his life is now perfect as gets married, has children and runs a successful business. However, the lord giveth and the lord taketh away and just when his life is perfect, he continues to de-age and starts looking younger and younger.

Of course, this effects his relationships and those around him and for the greater community, they cannot comprehend that this boy is actually an old man. There have been some parallels that critics and viewers have noted that the Curious Case of Benjamin Button is reminiscent of Forrest Gump at how Benjamin views the world. Of course, the ending of the Curious Case of Benjamin Button is quite a contrast but without spoiling it, the journey from old man to boy is definitely a philosophical and enjoyable ride.

Brad Pitt is quite remarkable as Benjamin Button, thanks to a healthy dose of CGI which assists in de-aging our star. He manages to capture the spirit of Button and also the heartbreaks of his life, such as his father abandoning him in a nursing home because he believed that he caused the death of his wife. Benjamin eventually becomes adopted by Queenie (Taraji P. Hunderson), a black American housekeeper who teaches her newly adopted son.

The young Benjamin eventually meets Daisy (Elle Fanning) who eventually grows up to become his lover and is played by the delightful Cate Blanchett. The twist of the story is that it is told through flashbacks, more specifically with Daisy on her deathbed which instills a heavy amount of emotion into the movie which transcends into the viewer. Somehow this movie all comes together, especially due to wonderful acting by Pitt and Blanchett which makes this a truly decent modern drama romance with a huge twist.

It work’s brilliantly!