This review was originally posted in December at Lauren’s site, Reading Comes From Writing. When she reviewed The Reader earlier this month for us, she told me she had written up this screen adaptation, and I thought it was still timely. –JD
Last night I had the opportunity to see an advanced screening of The Curious Case of Benjamin Button starring Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett. Early this year I read the short story by F. Scott Fitzgerald in anticipation of going to see the movie once it was released on Christmas day.
My short review of the short story can be found here.
Walking away yesterday, I realized this is one of the few films that can stand alone from it’s original story. While similar in theme, the movie is vastly different from the short story Fitzgerald wrote and intertwines a different story of Benjamin that equals what was originally told.
The movie was fascinating and detailed. The aging process of all characters was amazing and not easily done, I would suspect. The theme of time plays out from the very beginning – running out of time, losing time, gaining time, timeless.
Brad Pitt does an amazing job as Benjamin Button, giving viewers a glimpse of what we may be picturing as the actor himself ages, bringing us all back to Thelma and Louise days when he was younger. I did hear many girls swoon as Benjamin aged younger.
Cate Blanchett, as well, did an amazing job playing Daisy, the woman who has Benjamin’s heart. The age transformation is another glimpse into the future only to show us that at any age Blanchett is flawless and beautiful.
Making an extended cameo was Tilda Swinton, who was a surprise to the cast for me. I was unaware she was in the film. She also lends a great performance. Pitt’s own daughter Shiloh, makes her first film debut in a very quick shot. See if you can find her.
A great Christmas day movie to see with the family. Worthy of an Oscar nomination.
Lauren from Reading Comes From Writing has three favorite things: writing, reading and watching movies. Born and raised in Boise, ID, she shares the couch and comfy chair with her cat, Fergie, and a good cup of tea.
I loved the movie too. Cate is my favorite actress. My husband and I had a special date night and went to see the early showing & then dinner. It was perfect. I definitely want to read the short story. backwards, I know, as I normally read the book and then see the movie 🙂
I’ll have to watch this when it comes out on DVD. I don’t know if I could interest hubby in it, but it seems like a good afternoon/naptime indulgence.
Great review!
Oh my, lovely hubby and I both were entranced by this movie. (Okay, maybe he wouldn’t choose that particular word on his own, but he did enjoy the flick!) I thought it was just beautiful on so many levels (including of course, the GORGEOUS lead guy!). I had heard that the movie and short story were really nothing alike (beyond the aging backwards thing), and I’ve had several people tell me not to even bother with the short story– that I would probably not even like it to begin with. But, this movie was amazing, and I look forward to its release on DVD!
I have a curious case of actually wanting to see this movie. (Most movies I don’t want to see.) I hadn’t read any reviews of it yet though. After reading your review, I’m even more curious! Thanks!
i’m so excited to watch this! it’s exactly my type of story, plus brad pitts in it! 😉