This past weekend I finally saw The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. Finally! I've been wanting to see this movie for weeks. It is a beautiful story told beautifully, with wonderful cinematography, music, and characters. It was very well made. The scenes were paced nicely too; I did not look at my watch once, despite the movie being almost three hours long. I loved the life and culture of New Orleans was so richly weaved into this story. That was captured so well.
One thing that disappointed me just a wee bit was Brad Pitt's performance. He pulled it off nicely, going through all the right movements, but it wasn't the mind blowing Oscar-winning performance I expected. He didn't take it above and beyond. When he wasn't playing old man, Brad was just, well, Brad. He cruised around on his motorbike, hung out with beautiful women, and even wore that newsboy hat of his. It's a shame, because I really rooting for this to be his Academy Award winning performance. In this film, I'd just have to say that Brad's makeup did a better job than Brad.
Cate Blanchett, on the other hand, was the star of the two. Why wasn't she nominated? She brilliantly portrayed a vibrant young girl who evolves into a woman fraught with what old age has robbed from her. I am absolutely amazed at Cate Blanchett's versatility. She stepped into the role of an giddy, lively, teenager and then of a grounded old woman with such ease and believability. It was amazing to watch.
Taraji Henson also shone in this movie. She played Brad's surrogate mom. She exuded pure genuity and honesty in her role. She definitely stole some spotlight.
I don't know what it was though, but some bits in the movie just made me cringe a little, like the movie was pushing the envelope just a little too far. Like when a dashing Brad/Benjamin comes back to the house he grew up in, during his prime 'age'. He's tall, tan and buff, looking like he just stepped off the yacht with Angie and the kids, and runs around the house, calling for his petite, sassy, black mother, "Momma! Momma!" I don't know. Maybe Benjamin just looked too much like Brad for the scene to be convincing. Then there was that scene where Cate/Daisy lovingly cradles her dying lover in her arms--except he's a baby. Um, yeah. Awkward. And a little cheeseball.
At the Oscars, we know what this movie will win- Best Makeup, obviously. Maybe Costume Design. Best Picture, not likely. Next time, Brad. I give this movie a B.
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