A sweeping odyssey, Fincher's epic is film of the year

Rating: 10/10 (7 February 2009)

It is often clichéd that Oscar-winning films should be complex, questioning and deep yet Benjamin Button is a outstanding rebuttal to this cliché. Fincher's film is extremely simple whether it the direction or the story, this is because this is a simple story of a simple man living a simple but ultimately tragic life. This premise was constantly interesting; the thought of being born old and growing younger, certainly a mind-blowing concept. Button experiences both love and sadness as he watches his family and friends age older and he age younger.
This film achieves on both a technical level and a cinematic level. As the film progresses, the astonishing visual effect and make-up allow for a truly realistic and believable depiction of what an older and younger Brad Pitt would look like. In fact, the special effects were flawless. Cinematically, the audience is thrown through a plethora of emotions including pity, laughter, sadness and happiness. In that sense, the film is well-rounded. The plot was enticing, the art direction was stunning and the performances were excellent especially Brad Pitt.
Overall, 'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button' can be perceived as a tragedy, Button's outrageous disease holds him back from leading a fulfilling life that he deserves and wants. This is what made the ending provoke shock, poignancy and reflection of life as a whole and how we should live and appreciate it.
'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button' is a 21st century epic; concentrated, illustrious yet outstandingly simple. A tour de force of cinema that is no doubt the best picture of the year.
10/10