![]() He loses friends, gains some more, and travels away from them all the same. He displays moments that are indeed touching, but they do not really matter. His performance does not, for he is always the charmer in the leading role, but Benjamin Button is not a particularly interesting character. Pitt in particular struggles from time to time. Cutting back and forth between flashbacks of a lengthy nature to the hospital bed Daisy Fuller (Cate Blanchett) finds herself in, the narrative feels stifled and cuts together with well-intentioned pacing but happenstance occurrences overwhelm any emotional value. Instead of crafting a rich world capable of interest, Fincher instead presents a best-of montage that provides little depth or realism to the working class of the Roaring 20s and subsequent depression. Here, he instead channels the maudlin found within the period piece. He does not display the craft he is adored or commended for. Fincher has the right message, but the wrong technical merit. It is an issue found throughout The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. What is the point of such great effect if its impact, or even lack thereof on these characters, is not shown with grace or style? Men take their hats down in respect and slowly shuffle out of the room. It cuts through the belief in war at the time and voices Fincher’s appropriate feelings, but it is the performance and blasé that surrounds it which leads to such undesirable effect. “I made it that way, so maybe the boys that went off to war can stand again”, he says. He builds a clock for the station, and when it is complete, it ticks backwards. Elias Koteas offers the respite desired in these early moments, the blind clockmaker who loses his son in the war. The grainy footage that displays the passing of time and the past is a choice, but not one that inspires much trust in his direction. Almost as tired and weak as its ancient, decrepit leading man.įincher has always been one to craft fluttering emotions, mired by the lack of confidence he has in his own voice. Despite all the talent and name-value involved in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, there does not seem to be that spark of big-budget magic. ![]() He chooses projects that elevate the picture, not himself. Brad Pitt is indeed curious, but that is due to his erratic series of casting decisions. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button is, on a surface level, indeed a curious one, but beyond that, there is much to be desired. ![]() Director David Fincher uses Button, played by Brad Pitt, to speak of age and how nothing should stop us from achieving what we must. There is little else greater to be curious about than life itself. ![]()
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