Perfectly executed film, bittersweet story

Rating: 7/10 (22 September 2009)

The film as you would expect from the title and trailer describes the life story of Benjamin Button (Brad Pitt) who is faced with the unusual predicament of aging backwards. Director David Fincher guides us through a series of Benjamin's life defining moments, but it is his relationship with Daisy (Cate Blanchett) that is central to the film. I was drawn in by this hugely interesting premise and keen to see how a tale that presents such obvious technical challenges would translate to the big screen. Despite taking nearly three hours to unfold I was more than satisfied with the experience, I fully believed in both Benjamin's character and the relationships he forms throughout this beautifully crafted film.
I can definitely see where the comparisons with Forest Gump have come from and whilst I'm a fan of both films I had the same problem with them - they are a tad tedious! It's sadly inherent in a film that focuses on someones life story that they end up being rather predictable viewing experiences. Fortunately the film kept my attention thanks to some exemplary casting and stellar performances from both Pitt and Blanchett, as well as a Taraji P. Henson who play Benjamin's surrogate mother Queenie. The key moments of Benjamin's life are brilliantly captured, I personally enjoyed that the director focused on both the highs and lows of life in equal measure but I was left emotionally exhausted by the time the film reached its climax.
Benjamin Button has much to offer, it's almost worth watching for the presentation alone. It's a tribute to the quality of the make-up and CGI in this film that I was so drawn in to the screenplay; we have really reached a stage where special effects no longer distract from the content. I can see why many will be left frustrated due to the slow pace and subtle payoffs, but if you put aside the time and go into this with a curious mind I'm sure like me you will be pleasantly surprised.