David Fincher is well known for his direction of cult classic thrillers with films such as Seven (1995) and Fight Club (1999) being in my personal list of favourites while mainstream films such as Panic Room (2002) and Zodiac (2007) have given him recognition amongst the masses.
His films are characteristically gritty with a style almost unique to his ability even though recognition from the Academy has always eluded him. However, his latest directorial work in the The Curious Case of Benjamin Button not only secured him a Best Director nomination but also received 13 nominations in total tying with the record set by The Fellowship of the Ring in being the most nominated film not to win Best Picture. All in all the film received three awards from the academy including best make-up and visual effects.
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The film surrounds a young boy named Benjamin Button (Pitt) who is born with a physical appearance and the health complications of a very elderly man. Button is abandoned by his father who struggles to come to terms with the appearance of his son and the death of his wife while giving birth. Taraji P. Henson plays Queenie a maid at a nursing home who takes Benjamin in as her own child. Queenie soon finds that Benjamin’s health situation gradually improves while his appearance becomes younger. Benjamin soon meets a young girl named Daisy (Elle Fanning) who he befriends and later falls in love with all while coming to grips with his condition and his thirst for experiencing life. He meets Daisy (older Daisy played by Cate Blanchett) at different stages in his life all the while unintentionally attempting to meet at that perfect stage where his physical appearance and her age coincide.
Pitt and Henson were both nominated for their portrayals in the film although the Oscars went to Sean Penn (Milk) and Penelope Cruz (Vicky Christina Barcelona) respectively. Pitt’s acting was honest and his performance embodied the Benjamin Button that would be remembered and duly loved although the character did possess countless flaws. Fellow nominee Henson gave a memorable performance as the loving Queenie while Cate Blanchett too was impressive as Daisy taking on an uncharacteristic role and delivering with great conviction.
The direction can also be commended with visual effects being a highlight in the film taking us back to the days Pitt was just a pretty boy. The film however was about forty minutes too long with the story being dragged along with bits that were either completely unnecessary or annoying.
The plot didn’t have enough about it to carry on for that long while Benjamin as a character was just not interesting enough to keep audiences interested in his next move. The film felt sort of like a deflated version of Forrest Gump which is a road a film director must always try and avoid. However, despite its obvious lack of replay value, with the hype surrounding the film, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button was still a good watch and probably will entertain most of its viewers.
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