Brad Pitts performance is flat

Rating: 5/10 (28 December 2008)

The script is strong, particularly in delivering poignant life messages. The make up is excellent and the costumes are very good. The photography and lighting are good. Brad Pitts acting is very monotone with no changes in facial expression throughout the story. I see no outward measurements available to the viewer to detect the evolving emotional maturity from Pitts character that comes with life's experiences. Example. Early in the movie, he is a young boy in an old body. At first, the viewer is unable to differentiate whether Benjamin is mentally and emotional equivalent to his advanced physical age. Apparently, he is not. Another example: an early scene with the 5 year old Daisy, they both hide under a table which substitutes as a "fort". This presented an opportunity to display the character of a small boy in an old body but that is not what is delivered. In scene after scene Pitts emotional delivery is flat. I found no "chemistry" between Pitt and Blanchett, although I believe she delivers a strong performance. I believe Johnny Depp would have been a better choice for the role. There is some effective comic relief delivered by "lightning" but it is never developed and left as simply that, comic relief. Lastly, it is a very long movie.