There are basically two types of movies that we watch in our home – family films and in-home date night movies. The latter picks are always the hardest ones to pick, because my husband and I have different tastes in movies. One movie that we were both curious about was The Curious Case of Benjamin Button , so I accepted The Criterion Collection Blu-ray Disc to review.
The story is odd (hence the word “curious” in the title) because it’s about a backward-aging man. In this adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s story, Benjamin Button (Brad Pitt) is a man who was born in his 80s and continues to grow younger. Daisy (Cate Blanchett) co-stars in the picture as his love interest throughout the various stages of his life. Taraji P. Henson (who plays the role of Queenie) also does a great job as the woman who takes in the old baby (whom she names Benjamin) as her own. This movie raised a lot of different thoughts and questions in my mind, particularly about love and the various stages of life. Most notably, I kept thinking about the question, “Is it better to have loved and lost then never to have loved at all?” I don’t know the answer, but this film made me wonder.
The actors and actresses all did fine jobs, but the thing that stands out about the film the most (to me) is the technology. The special effects – especially the 100% Benjamin Button digital head – are amazing! It’s no surprise to me that the film took home the Academy Awards for visual effects and makeup. The Criterion version of the film also has over three hours of several extras. Director David Fincher (whose style many have compared to Stanley Kubrick) is featured along with cast interviews and behind-the-scenes information on practically every subject including Brad Pitt’s aging and rejuvenation processes. If you like “outside of the ordinary” types of movies, then The Curios Case of Benjamin Button would make a great addition to your film library.
