Adding to Fincher's Collection of Masterpieces is...

Rating: 9/10 (3 March 2016)

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button is directed by David Fincher and stars Brad Pitt as Benjamin Button, a man who was born in his old age, and ages backward, eventually as a baby. Throughout his life, he meets many people and experiences many things. These things are to teach lessons about life, and that's it's life is hard, no matter who you are or what your profession is.
This is David Fincher's only PG-13 movie, so it's kind of out of his ball park. However, he made the film very well. The directing is great, and the cinematography really captures which time period Benjamin is currently in, whether it be the 1920's, or the 1960's. Fincher uses the camera so perfectly, the audience gets sucked into what's happening and forgets that they're watching a movie.
The acting in this film is also amazing. Of course, Brad Pitt does fantastic, especially when pulling off the role of an old man. He plays a 70 year old, a 50 year old, a 30 year old, and a 16 year old all throughout the film, and he portrays the struggle of such a condition beautifully. Cate Blanchett as Daisy was good. It didn't really hook me, or present anything new to the film, but it definitely didn't bring it down at all.
The score also depicts the time period very well. Early in the film (the 1920's) the viewer can subtly hear old fashioned radio music quietly in the background. Later on, in the 1940's, you can hear popular jazz or such that described that era. Finally, in the 60's, there's a Beatles song that plays (Twist n' Shout), showing the time period without even giving it away verbally.
The above paragraph also leads into my next point: the cinematography. The cinematography illustrates the time period wonderfully. In the first act, everything is gloomy, due to the economic crash of 1929, leading into the Great Depression. Later, everything is more modern, yet not too modern. Streets are dark at night, and snow is on the ground. This shows the trouble that was World War II; whether Benjamin be in the United States or in Russia. Later, surroundings are more colorful and vibrant. This depicts the Vietnam/drug era. All of the decades are masterfully.
The only real issues I had with this film is the progressiveness of it, and the timing in which the movie cuts back to present day (2005). In some portions of the film, nothing of importance will happen for 15 minutes or so. In other parts, three very significant things will happen within 20 minutes of each other. This balance throws the movie off in a way, and confuses the audience.
My other issue with the movie is the timing of cuts to present day. While I won't say what happens in the present, I will say it's timing is very off. There will be times when the viewer is paying close attention, and the film cuts to 2005. This is very distracting, and sets back the audience. To your average movie goer, this won't be a big deal, but to a film enthusiast who watches movies the way a painter looks at Vincent Van Gogh's art work, it's offsetting.
In conclusion, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button is a great film. It may bore some people, but I was very entertained, say for some of the present day scenes. I think The Curious Case of Benjamin Button an A-, or a 9 out of 10.