Classic storytelling. Pitt proves that he's an understated actor and Blanchett makes you fall in love with her.

Rating: Null/10 (1 September 2009)

Benjamin Button is an epic film from start to finish. Sweeping in its approach, clocking just under two hours and fifty minutes. It really only felt like an hour, honestly. Films of this elegance do not come around often. There is a rare sense of old Hollywood in this picture. It is grand, vibrant, and full of life in every possible way. The process of watching a man live an entire life on screen, one can't help thinking of his own, reevaluating past memories and forgotten faces. The sheer exuberance leaves a life affirming reassurance as the end credits roll by.
Many have probably seen the previews on television and have gotten a basic concept. Brad Pitt stars as Benjamin, a child born old to grow young. Abandoned by his parents, taken in by a black women, he lives a childhood within an old age home. The ironic twist here is that he was born old, so the residences don't mind his company; he's just like them. His life is changed when one of the tenants has her granddaughter visit for the weekend. Her name is Daisy, a precocious redhead; her and Benjamin instantly connect. She will later become the driving force of his life.
Benjamin is subjected to things as an old man. He learns of death through the old age home. He can drink under age and frequent the whorehouse whenever he pleases. Yet he grows younger, curiosity fuels his sense for adventure. One day he meets a sailor who is looking for an extra hand on ship. Benjamin is quick to join. They sail and explore. Stationed over in England, he meets a married woman lonely for companionship. They soon begin an affair, meeting in the hotel lobby every night. World War II then breaks. Benjamin and the crew are enlisted to fight. They set off to sea once again.
If this film has one major disadvantage, it is that Forrest Gump bares a striking resemblance, structurally. Written by the same man, Benjamin grows up in the south, handicapped, yet loved by his mother unconditionally. He befriends a girl who will become his main love interest throughout and then goes off to fight in war. There are other similarities, but why discourage potential viewers. This is a wonderful film.
Adapted from a story by F. Scott Fitzgerald, David Fincher centres the story on Benjamin, what he sees in life and how aging backgrounds has it benefits, but also tragic consequences. Think about it, one with the same condition would be lonely all their life. You could never grow old with someone, never watch your children grow up. These are factors that excel the film from mere fantasy to a timeless drama. Furthermore, with a running time of almost three hours characters and situations are fleshed out, room is allowed for growth. As said before, a man's life is lived right before one's eyes, it is a truly remarkable theatre experience.
CGI in this film is used not only to an advantage but as a whole other life form. Brad Pitt as a man dealing with an incurable fate is acted with a subtle shyness, always listening, rarely speaking. Pitt is not only good in the film; he's never been better. The supporting cast is top notch as well. Taraji P. Henson, Benjamin's adopted mother, Queenie, cares for him no matter what. A strong character actress in recent years, she leaves a lasting impression. Cate Balncett as Daisy is also worth mentioning. The love of Benjamin's life, she exudes a sophisticated presence one can't look away from. In one particular scene, Daisy performs a dance for him under the moonlit night. It is perhaps the sexiest scene of the year. No sex or nudity, just the seductive movement of an actress channeling flawless beauty.
This film must be seen on the big screen. It demands full attention and involvement. Photography is not talked about enough when it comes to film-making. Shot in New Orleans, it is homage to a once beautiful destination ravaged by an infamous hurricane. Katrina and weather are a reoccurring theme throughout. Forget the Forrest Gump similarities that are ever so predominant. This is a classical fable, make sure you see this with someone you love.