Cate Blanchett is Incredible!

Rating: 10/10 (26 December 2008)

"The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" is a gorgeously shot film about a boy who is born old and gray, and ages backwards. While others around him age forward and die before him, he ages the other way- and gains youth. The film, directed by David Fincher (Zodiac), and written by Eric Roth (Forrest Gump), is 167 minutes but seems to fly by as you're taken into a World War I and flown through Benjamin's lifetime of mystery, sex and love.
I think what makes the film work the best is Cate Blanchett, who has never been as luminous, gorgeous or stellar. It's as if she knew her character so well, she melted into it. Blanchett meets Benjamin when she's a little girl, but as their lives intertwine, she realizes his secret, but grows to love him anyways. In some scenes involving breathtaking cinematography, the two form a bond that's stronger then sexual passion- there seems to be a spiritual trust that surges between their souls. Cate plays herself as an old woman too, and in pounds of makeup, confesses to her daughter- Ormond- about her life with Benjamin. I hope Blanchett is nominated for an Oscar for this performance, however with competition being so tight she sadly might miss. I hope she makes it.
Brad Pitt is fine as Button, but I felt a certain element lacking from his performance. Tom Hanks in "Forrest Gump" also plays a man with a disability who floats through life in amazing adventures. But Hanks was able to capture a certain depth to Gump that Pitt is overtly lacking. It seems Pitt plays Button with the same dismal note over and over again, only sometimes taking the character to another level. He is still incredible to watch.
Taraja B. Henson (Hustle & Flow) is a nice surprise as Queenie, who takes care of Button once she discovers him on her doorstep. Playing the role with enough sass to put Hattie McDaniel to shame, I often found myself thinking she was playing the role to the stereotype. But she's adorable none the less.
The biggest winners from "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" should be the makeup artists. Not only do they make Blanchett and Pitt appear older, but also YOUNGER! Pitt, in his 40s, at one time looks 25 again. And it's sexy as well as creepy. Blanchett, a ballet dancer in her prime of the film, is shown as a giddy 19 year-old and also a 55 year-old widow. It's brilliant to see how the makeup mixed with the actors can make this film go beyond it's level of greatness.
Over-all the film has excellent music, beautiful costumes, and riveting messages about death and being happy to be alive. Tilda Swinton also turns out a brief but powerful turn as a rich woman who shows Benjamin true passion for the first time. Bravo again- to Ms. Blanchett!