The Curious Case of Benjamin Button: Magical!

Written by Mark Schumann, Father of Three
Thursday, 22 January 2009 11:37

With Oscar season in full swing, film theaters are showing offerings that will be contenders for the honors. This week, The Reel Dad visits the new film, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.

Every now and then, we discover a film that is easy to love but difficult to describe; a movie to be savored not just watched; an accomplishment to be admired not merely appreciated.

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button is a special film to be savored by anyone who loves the movies. This fable about a man who teaches everyone he touches the possibilities that life can bring marries the potential of imagination with the magic of technology to create astounding entertainment. What could have been a technical wonder, but emotionally hollow, emerges as a thoughtful, endearing film. No matter how many movies you see this year, you will never forget this one.

Based on a short story by F. Scott Fitzgerald, with a screenplay by Eric Roth, the premise of Benjamin Button is simple: A man is born to live a life that progresses in reverse. While he emotionally ages in the traditional way, from his first day to his last, he physically ages in reverse, from his last day to his first. That means, in his early years, he is a young person emotionally with the physical appearance of an elderly man. And, as he emotionally ages, he grows physically younger.

In less caring hands, such an idea could have become an outrageous concept film perfect for the multiplex in the summer. But screenwriter Roth — best known for another tricky film, Forrest Gump — and director David Fincher — the creator of the amazing Zodiac — treat the source material with tender loving care and respect. Instead of capitalizing on the sensational aspects of the story, they use the unusual dimensions of the tale as an opportunity to create a compelling moral — that any person, no matter their physical limitations or eccentricities, has something special to offer and, with any person we meet, we have to look beyond the obvious to reach the heart. Not only does Benjamin Button remind us that beauty is not just skin deep; it encourages us to discover what may lie dormant inside those we love most.

Thanks to a brilliant use of technology, Benjamin Button can tell its story with ease. At a different time in Hollywood, movie makers may have been forced to use several actors to portray the special man; thanks to the magic of computers and makeup, Brad Pitt is the face and the voice of the character (if not always the body) for almost the entire film. This achievement is not merely of the artists behind the screen; in the title role, Pitt delivers perhaps his strongest film performance. Rarely has he felt so accessible and touching and, as in his excellent work in Babel, he steps inside the character instead of merely working the surface.

But Pitt does not work alone. Cate Blanchett, so memorable in just about any role she plays, adds to her gallery with a touching portrayal of a woman who travels Benjamin’s unique journey. Again, in less capable hands, the role could have felt one-dimensional. But Blanchett reaches deep to create a lovely layered portrayal of a woman who wants to support but who, at times, must be human. The lovely Taraji P. Henson is very effective as the lady who raises Benjamin and Tilda Swinton turns in a captivating cameo. Look for Button to thrive on Oscar night.

Film Nutritional Value:

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Five Popcorn Buckets

* Content: High. The film is a marvelous fairy tale. Leave your logic in the car (along with the cell phones) and step inside a magical world.

* Entertainment: High. Even with its meaningful message, Benjamin Button never is less than completely entertaining. And don’t let its length scare you. Rarely do 2-1/2 hours pass so quickly.

* Message: High. We all need to reminded, now and then, to be patient with those who may struggle through the day. There’s something for all of us learn from the patient, endearing Benjamin.

* Relevance: High. Even though a fantasy, Benjamin Button offers a message as important today as any.

* Opportunity for Dialogue: High. You may, at first, find yourself talking about Brad Pitt and the technical magic. Reach beyond these initial topics to talk about what the film is saying and what that message can mean. This is a great movie for the family to see together.

Find out why cialis professional , and much more. Online pharmacy, viagra professional , low prices.