The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (12A) (From The Argus)

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (12A)

9:30am Wednesday 11th February 2009

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There appears to be two things that people are saying about Benjamin Button.

1) It's very long.
2) It's a bit like Forrest Gump.

The film is quite long, it runs 15 minutes shy of 3hrs. However the length of the film is not an issue as it zips by very quickly and keeps you interested for the full running time. It is a little like Forrest Gump in places. (They are both written by Eric Roth, so it is understandable). The story unfolds in flashback as told by Cate Blanchett from her death bed. It is episodic and shows Brad Pitt at certain points in history. So it shares structural similarities with Forrest Gump. However, Forrest Gump is a pretty good film so I have got no complaints!

The story focuses on Brad Pitt who is born at 80 years old and ages backwards. He meets a kindred spirit in Cate Blanchett, and as they age in the opposite direction they meet in the middle at the same age. David Fincher is well known as a meticulous director and his perfection shows in every frame. The film looks beautiful with superb cinematography and truly amazing effects.

The tragic romance worked a treat on me and I felt very involved in the plight of the characters. The theme of time is played out wonderfully with an opening sequence about a clock maker. The supporting performances are also great, Tilda Swinton and Jason Fleyming in particular sticking out. Some of the sequences seem a little superfluous but they all fit into the whole very well.

I feel another viewing is needed to truly appreciate all that Benjamin Button has to offer, but it may also reveal some flaws that you dont notice on first viewing as there is so much to take in.

Whichever way I end up, I am very much looking forward to seeing it again.

8/10