The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

This film is based on a short story by F. Scott Fitzgerald and tells the story of baby born old, who then proceeds to physically age in reverse. The film takes what could be considered as nothing more than a gimmick, and then proceeds to use it to build a rich and engrossing tale. Benjamin is played by Brad Pitt, and the love of his life Daisy, is played by Cate Blanchett. The story covers more than eighty years in the lives of its main protagonists, and is told in flashback, as Daisy's grown daughter is reading from Benjamin's diary. Early on in the film Benjamin is abandoned as a newborn by his father on the steps of a nursing home. He's just not able to deal with his son's unique condition, especially after the death of his wife in childbirth. The proprietor of the home, Queenie, then takes on the role of his mother. In spite of what fate has handed him, Benjamin embraces life fully, and never hesitates to try anything that comes his way, and he never feels sorry about his fate. He goes to sea on a tugboat, fights in World war II, discovers brothels, all the while growing younger, stronger and looking more and more like Brad Pitt every day. This film has been compared to Forrest Gump by some in that Benjamin, like Forrest, always remains positive and upbeat in spite of all of the challenges that life has given them. In that sense the comparison is valid, and this film is a most enjoyable fable that celebrates life.

Rating - Solid 3