"I was born under unusual circumstances."
Based on a fabled short story by F Scott Fitzgerald, The curious case of Benjamin Button chronicles an old man who physically ages backward. At age 50, Benjamin (Brad Pitt) falls in love with 30-year-old Daisy (Cate Blanchett) and then must come to terms with the relationship as they literally grow in opposite directions.
Special Agent Matti
For a movie that's based on a short story, The curious case of Brad Blanchett is curiously long. It just goes on and on and on. Even Forrest Gump - which this film strongly resembles - isn't this long: more than two-and-a-half hours. You are never caught up in the narrative, merely dragged along behind it.
On the plus side, Brad and Cate are good actors and they put a lot into their roles. They're also very nice to perve at. Admit it: your main aim when watching a movie with Brad Pitt or Cate Blanchett is having a perve. Brad looks great as an old man (clearly, grey is the new black) while Cate is just horrendous (in a good way). The ageing make-up and special effects are just as good as the rejuvenating, which is to say effective but not entirely convincing. In this day and age we take special effects for granted so they have to be very good (ie unnoticeable) to be good. Still, when you have a canvas that's as good as Brad or Cate you've got the best quality foundation with which to work.
And then there's the story. Talk about star-crossed lovers. Talk about boy gets girl, boy loses girl. Talk about the fickle finger of fate. Talk about tragedy. Talk about impending doom. If you're susceptible to tears before bedtime, take some tissues: you'll need them (there's nothing like a good blubber, is there?).
You'll enjoy this film, just remember to go to the toilet beforehand.
The drama, fantasy movie The curious case of Benjamin Button is directed by David Fincher and stars Brad Pitt, Cate Blanchett, Tilda Swinton.
M (Sexual references and coarse language)
159 minutes (2:39 hours)
Film: 26 December 2008
DVD retail: 3 June 2009
