This F. Scott Fitzgerald novella adaptation is the story of Benjamin Button (Brad Pitt), born a feeble old man who ages backwards, eventually dying as a baby. Naturally enough, this leads to issues - romance and maturity are OK in the middle years when his physical and mental age meet, but bigger problems arise at either end of the age spectrum. Fitzgerald remarked, "this story was inspired by a remark of Mark Twain’s to the effect that it was a pity that the best part of life came at the beginning and the worst part at the end".
Directed by David Fincher (who reached a new high with last year's Zodiac), adapted for the screen by Eric Roth (The Insider, Forrest Gump).
I apologise, we feel bad, but there's no trailer available. ~Ed.
The problem with visionary directors like David Fincher is that sometimes, perhaps, we expect a little too much. This fantastical tale, the reunion of the Seven/Fight Club director with Tyler Durden himself, Brad Pitt, has been looking like a potential masterpiece for months. As it turns out it’s not perfect, it’s just very, very good. And that’s ever so slightly disappointing.
Benjamin Button has so much going for it though. There’s beautiful earthen-hued cinematography throughout. There’s a convincing, controlled performance from Pitt, natural enough to stop you obsessing over the amazing ageing effects once the initial novelty has worn off. There’s a story which, while it has little to do with its Fitzgerald source material (except for the basic premise), does throw in a little bit of excitement for all tastes, with moments of self-discovery, high adventure, humour and romance.
But on the downside, the story unfolds in such an unhurried, best-part-of-three-hours way that it sometimes drags, with the love story between Button and Cate Blanchett’s Daisy proving both the heart of the film, and its least interesting element – the early womanizing and wartime scenes are much more fun. Add in a distracting, unnecessary modern day Hurricane Katrina side-theme and there are undoubtedly a few blemishes here.
So what sounded like it could be one of Fincher’s strangest films, in fact comes out as one of his most accessible – a less madcap, more grandiose Big Fish. It may have a crinkly bub gradually morphing into a teenager in it, but essentially it’s a star-crossed love story with philosophical accoutrements. Go into this expecting a feast of offbeat originality, or thrills and spills throughout and you’ll feel a bit let down. But expect elegance, tenderness and stunning visuals and you’ll be repaid warmly.
By Ashley Bird, Flicks.co.nz
Brad Pitt pointlessly grows backwards. It's trying to be 'Forrest Gump' but doesn't have any story to tell, just randomly selected, disconnected meaningless vignettes. Ponderous, boring and it goes on FOREVER. Perhaps it was all the makeup that restricted his facial expressions, but Brad Pitt's acting was as wooden as a kitchen table. Sleep inducing.
this movie is like nothing that I have ever seen before. It really talks to the heart(ok ok ok ok it sounds crazy and really chessey but it is true). Its perfact. This is one of my favourite Brad Pitt movies and Cate Blanchett was amazing as allways
I think The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button is an amazing and powerful movie! However it was a very sad movie, but it was one of the best movies i have ever seen. I give the movie infinity stars! I LOVE YOU BRAD PITT!!!!!
I think it was really awesome and interesting. It had a great story line and I think the actors were spot on. I can at least say it was way BETTER!!! than twilight. Big props to the director, how many of us can say we actually got to see a different unfamiliar movie like this. Which HEY Brad Pitt was lead... "TooDleS"
but is very personal, the only way you will understand this is watching it. It may send you on journey of reflections about you own life, or it might just bore you do death if you´re not in the mood...
Benjamin Button is pretty much just "Gump" with better cinematography.
Superbly made and winningly acted by Brad Pitt in his most impressive outing to date.
As enervating as it is long -- and at 2 hours and 47 minutes it is quite long -- this version of the F. Scott Fitzgerald fantasy short story is a baffling project, an endurance test of a movie that feels like it was made on a dare.
The outcome may be inevitable from the start, but the emotional punch it delivers captures you by surprise, confirming that this eclectic and overly long journey was worth the watch.
Naturally, Pitt and Blanchett are outstanding. Fincher's meticulous attention to detail is unerring, down to the light fixtures.
We've been told the NZ release date for this flick is Friday, 26th Dec 2008.
Release date: December 26th 2008.
We haven't received times for this movie in this location yet. However these are updated as cinemas announce them, so check back soon. Hopefully the lovely cinemas in your location will choose to play it shortly. ~Ed.
