fair radiance

I love this movie. I truly enjoy the beautiful acting performances of Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett; adding so much depth & substance to it. Surprisingly, Cate Blanchett’s convincing performance was ignored by the Academy in this years’s Oscar.
I love the scene above. It is when Benjamin and Daisy both meet halfway in their life with Brad Pitt now in full physical glory and Cate Blanchett at her most womanly peak. This remarkable pair is put on the most curious collision course ever.

"I was born under unusual circumstances".
And so begins "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button"; adapted from the 1920s story by F. Scott Fitzgerald about a man who is born in his eighties and ages backwards: a man, like any of us, who is unable to stop time. We follow his story, his journey, his thoughts, his experiences - set in New Orleans from the end of the World War 1 in 1918, into the 21st century; following his journey that is as unusual as any man's life can be. This film allows us to take two journeys simultaneously -- one physical and the other psychological.

It was a very long movie (two and a half hours but you will find that the story will keeps you transfixed throughout) – but this odd, epic tale of a man who ages in reverse is presented in an impeccable classical manner, every detail tended to with fastidious devotion and of the most advanced technology. The technical aging effects is simply amazing. Truly, the visions of Benjamin and the other central characters at different ages are sights to behold; baby Ben resembling a little E.T. and Cate Blanchett appearing as a very convincing 23 years old young lady.

But truly the most unnerving image is of Brad Pitt looking more or less the way he did in the movie "Thelma & Louise", or at least half the age of the man who is now playing the character. Clearly anything is possible in Hollywood movie making industry :) The music score provides a lovely and unobtrusive dramatic support - making it a stimulating treat for both the eyes and the intellect.

I cried during some scenes; the ending part was extremely tragic. Daisy is getting older; while Ben is getting younger and eventually dies as an infant & with no memory recollection of the love that they used to shared and could neither express himself anymore :(

This film maintains a strong narrative confidence, steadiness of tone and a mature awareness of the temporal nature of life's opportunities and the fleeting quality of happiness. As a whole, this movie is all about celebrating LIFE & LOVE.