A curiosity indeed

Rating: 7/10 (27 December 2008)

F. Scott Fitzgerald, one of the most innovative literary writers of all time, would have never thought that a brief short story about a man that ages backwards would become an ambitious effort from Se7en director, David Fincher. However, as fascinating as it seems, the implementation of The Curious Case of Benjamin Button wasn't as successful as one would have hoped. It presents itself as a Forrest Gump hopeful which surprisingly enough is written by the same man, Eric Roth.
The film stars Brad Pitt in the title role as the curious Benjamin; at first, a young boy with no understanding of his condition or of his future and in the later years, an adventurous, inquisitive man dealing with the changing world and comprehending his love for his childhood friend Daisy played by Cate Blanchett.
Fincher's direction is the strongest part of the picture. In control and understanding film-making, Fincher interacts and lives within his film as in his previous works, making his mark and showing his promise from his earlier years. Artistically the film plays like any romantic epic, however, more like a wannabe and never placing a firm hand on the subject matter. The makeup, which one would think to be a strong point, is very disappointing. Pitt, Blanchett, and Taraji P. Henson who plays Benjamin's surrogate mother, Queenie, all go through rapid and extensive age changes. Pitt at the age of 45 going for a 20 year-old looking boy is a bit far-fetched. But proud to say, with the exception of Pitt's performance as Jesse James last year, this is one of his strongest performances to date. Helming the character in the same manor Tom Hanks controlled "Forrest," Pitt holds his own in this tale even though the performance is subdued and doesn't demand too much of him emotionally.
Blanchett is always good in anything she's in yet I didn't find her as appealing as I often do. Daisy goes through a lot of changes like "Jenny" but unlike Jenny we don't feel for her character. She doesn't hold any emotional value to the viewer to help us engage in a relationship with Daisy. Blanchett doesn't represent herself the way I'd hope she would. Her beauty is as evident as I'd ever seen (especially in a dance belt) but as an older woman she's quite annoying and as a younger woman she's plain obnoxious. This is her weakest performance in years.
Henson as the Sally Field-like character, Queenie, is equally affecting as Pitt is but her character is abruptly taken off screen and leaves the viewer disenchanted. The rest of the supporting players put forth valiant efforts especially Julia Ormond who's brief showing gives a needed poignant touch.
Overall, Fincher's film is disappointing and with a 2 hour and 47 minute quest, there's a good film that could have been one hour shorter (literally). Oscar may come knocking on the door for Button and Fincher is probably in serious contention for the directing win but as a Best Picture winner, I can't seem to fathom the idea.
***/****