'Benjamin' Beauty: A Quick Commentary on 'Benjamin Button'
Feeling an urge to at least say something
Photo: Paramount Pictures via New York Times
I found the above image over at the New York Times and since I am still not entirely ready to write a full review of the film and it hadn't been released yet I figured I would add it to this short article commentary since I liked it so much.
After seeing The Curious Case of Benjamin Button last night my first instinct was to run home and write all about it. A few notes trickled into a couple of pieces, but for the most part I felt I would have to see it again before reviewing it. Then, as I was working, a TV spot for the film came on behind me. I turned to watch and just like the trailer for The Wrestler so much of what I felt while watching the film started to come back to me and I realized the reason I couldn't put my finger on what I liked so much – I actually liked damn near all of it. I liked the little moments as much as the bigger ones and I had a lump in my throat for just about 75% of the film and can tell you right now the more emotional you are the more likely you will come out of this film devastated and balling your eyes out.
I connected to the story as soon as the born-old Benjamin Button (Brad Pitt) was able to begin speaking and as he got older I understood everything he was dealing with. Many have called the film cold, have said it keeps its emotions at an arms length and "maintains a slightly remote feel." I couldn't disagree with these opinions more.
The film has a peaceful flow – a delicate and realistic approach to it all. The emotional core counts on the audience's ability to understand Benjamin is no different than you or I. His only difference is that the physical Benjamin is growing in reverse, but the mental and emotional Benjamin is growing up as any child would. Without the physical difference this is nothing more than the story about a man and his ability (and the world's ability) to deal with that one difference, something that ultimately changes the course of his life even though it so closely mirrors the normal life of so many people.
One person called the film cliche. I read another calling it "so phony and cloying and gimmicky that its success will some day be seen by some as a tragedy." Sorry, can't agree here either. Benjamin Button ends up living a full, and relatively normal life. It's reality with a twist. Benjamin's life story is no more cliche than anyone's life is cliche, and it actually isn't all that remarkable. This film is one man's life story unfolding in the midst of a unique set of circumstances and it is the nature of its telling and the effect it has on those involved that makes it what it is.
Some have said it felt long and at 166 minutes it is long. However, once the credits began to roll I wouldn't have been surprised if you told me only 90 minutes had passed. The film is engrossing and the sooner you realize Benjamin Button is no different than anyone else, outside of his physical appearance, you will be able to wrap yourself up in his story as fate guides the way.
As for the acting, folks are right to congratulate Cate Blanchett and Taraji P. Henson. I am not sure this is Blanchett's crowning achievement as others have said (I think Elizabeth is phenomenal on top of so many of her other performances), but she carries her portion of the load quite well. Henson is just as good as she always is and I definitely see a nomination in both of their futures. I, however, am not happy to see so many write off Pitt saying his performance involves too much CGI and is too limited. Pitt is phenomenal in this film as he creates a character you wouldn't mind spending some time with. But more on that in a real review along with talk of the excellent script, direction and just about every other aspect of this picture.
I will write a real review for the movie some time down the line, but I felt it was best to tackle some of the criticisms and early comments on the film in a separate piece since they really don't belong in a review. I will have the chance to see the film again (and I will see it again) I am just not sure if I will wait to review it before or after that time.
To read some of the reactions I mention in this piece click here or here.
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