Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Of Clocks and Buttons - A Review of the Movie "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button"

Do you remember as a child wearing you parents clothing mimicking to be a grown up? Or wanting to be an adult as soon as possible during your teens so you could be independent and do anything you want? But now that you’re older, you somehow want to go back in time even just a few years, if only possible; or at least look like one with some medical help. Well, Benjamin's case is a little more complicated than that.

Of Clocks

Based on a 1920s story by F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button is not your ordinary story. Neither is its main character Benjamin Button, played by Brad Pitt. He was born in his 80's. Yes, he looks just like your great grandfather with all the wrinkles and dry skin, but only as a baby. Getting younger at the age of six, he stands just as tall but still with white hair, arthritic knees and some cataract.

He was able to cope with his unusual condition early on with the guidance and love of the people around him specially his mother, Queenie.

Of Unbuttoned Buttons

The story unfolds with his growing up years, the first girl who caught his eyes, and other interesting people he met including his father who abandoned him. It is at this part where the story might have dragged a little. But it was something you wouldn't mind as you anticipate how young Benjamin would look like in the next scene.

After going through a number of adventures and a world war, Benjamin is now at his prime, no white hairs, and barely a wrinkle. The film even gave glimpses of Brad rolling a big man's bike and another by the yacht in the middle of the sea at mid day. Although I think they were not necessary for the movie, I believe the Pitt fans enjoyed them.


Of Realizations

He eventually found his true love back in the girl who first caught his eyes and now a woman named Daisy, played by Cate Blanchett. They were both very much in love and they enjoyed life. The uniqueness of their condition caught upon them when they were graced with a baby girl. Benjamin further realized that a father who gets younger in years as his child grows older would not be a situation he wants for his family. He left.

Tension arose as hopeful spirits wanting to hold on contradicts with the outcry for normality. The movie explored the importance of seizing opportunities, the essence of parting with loved ones, and the value of time - both in the normal and the backward sense.

Of Seeing

The movie is has 5 Golden Globe nominations including Best Picture and Best Director. It won as One of the Top Ten Films of the Year from the National Board of Review. Other casts include Taraji P. Henson, Julia Ormond, Jason Flemyng and Tilda Swinton. The film was directed by David Fincher from a screenplay by Eric Roth and presented by Warner Bros. Pictures and Paramount Pictures.

Watch Benjamin Button to realize that life is worth living, to appreciate the age you're in, and be struck by lightning 7 times.

Trailer:



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