In David Fincher’s latest collaboration with leading actor Brad Pitt, the director takes on an adaptation of F.
Scott Fitzgerald’s 1922 short story, “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,” or simply “Curious.” This film marks a departure from Fincher’s typical style, as it includes elements of fantasy and romance, making it his most unconventional work to date.
Set in early twentieth-century New Orleans, the film opens with Benjamin’s father (Jason Flemyng) abandoning him on the steps of a retirement home run by Queenie (Taraji P.
Henson.
The reason for this is that young Benjamin appears as an old man rather than a newborn child due to his deformities.
One of his first interactions in life is with Daisy, played by Elle Fanning in her younger years and Cate Blanchett when she is older.
Despite instant chemistry between the two characters, their timelines must align for their relationship to truly flourish.
The film explores the interesting concept of a life moving in reverse.
Benjamin starts as an old man with limited physical and mental capabilities, progressing to the peak of his life before eventually becoming a child again.
The fact that both Benjamin and Daisy reach their prime around the same time supports the idea that chronology is relative and time is the great equalizer.
Technically, the film’s success was largely due to its CGI, which holds up well even today despite being made before modern advancements in visual effects.
The story occasionally veers away from Daisy’s perspective, with Brad Pitt narrating other aspects of Benjamin’s life without her involvement.
This is done skillfully and doesn’t detract from the overall continuity of the film.
For those interested in delving deeper into the production process, a Criterion Blu-ray edition includes a separate disc featuring over three hours of behind-the-scenes footage covering everything from location scouting to special effects work.
This provides an in-depth look at how Fincher and his team brought this unique and captivating story to life.