The curious case of an old man growing young

Rating: 8/10 (31 January 2010)

David Fincher's "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" is based on a short story by renowned Jazz Age novelist F. Scott Fitzgerald. Benjamin Button (Brad Pitt) is an extraordinary individual, one who was born old and keeps getting younger. The film explores how this strange situation affects his relationships with other people through the years.
The screenplay garnered one of the film's many Oscar nominations and keeps us interested through a hefty 166 minute runtime. Could it have been trimmed? Sure. Is the ending a little anticlimactic? Some might say. Nevertheless, storywise, the film is satisfactory.
Brad Pitt was nominated for an Academy Award for his performance and I'd have to say that it's his best to date. His co-star Cate Blanchett wasn't nominated, though, which is perhaps understandable since she has done better work elsewhere. In supporting roles, Taraji P. Henson landed an Oscar nomination while the rest of the cast (which includes Julia Ormond, Jason Flemyng & Jared Harris) contributes solid support.
Fincher's direction is well-handled and was rewarded with an Oscar nomination. Overall, the film shows significant refinement, as reflected by the 13 Oscar nominations that it received. The film's three Oscar wins came in technical categories that I think should have gone to other films but the general level of technical proficiency is undeniable.
In conclusion, "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" is a worthwhile fantasy/drama, complete with fine performances, a compelling story and first-rate craftsmanship.