The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button
The story opens with Daisy close to her last breaths. Lying on the hospital bed, she asks her daughter to read the contents of a leather bound diary.
A diary that recounts the life of a man her mother once knew.
(this portion reminds me of the movie Big Fish)
Hereby unfolding the curious case of Benjamin Button.
I was born under unusual circumstances.
Set in picturesque New Orleans in the early 1900s; the war has just ended and we see people pouring into the streets to celebrate.
They say it was a good time to be born.
A clock maker shares his story about his latest addition in the railway station. As he exposes a clock running backwards, he reveals his wish of turning back time so events could rewind and perhaps end up a little differently.
In another part of town, we see young Benjamin’s mother dying after a devastating labor. His father, unable to accept the disfigured fate of his flesh and blood, abandons the newborn on the steps of a nursing home.
The child is saved by Queenie, whose womb is unable to carry the fruit of love with her long time lover. She finds salvation in this unwanted child that God has blessed her with, loving him as if her own.
Everyone feels different about themselves one way or another, but we all going the same way.
In the home, Benjamin finds acceptance as he blends in with the residents who look no different from the people surrounding him.
Did I ever tell you that I was struck by lightning 7 times?
There, he crosses paths with a resident’s granddaughter, Daisy. The 2 have an instant connection and this chance meeting sparks off a love story that would last to the last days of their lives.
Along the way you bump into people who make a dent on your life.
Because of their visually incompatible physical appearance, both head in different directions to find the meaning of their life. Daisy blossoms into a talented dancer and Benjamin finds himself answering the call of the oceans.
Through trial and tribulation, they find themselves always magnetically gravitating towards square one. Unfortunately, their happiness is destined to fail as the harsh reality of their situation set in.
How else are we supposed to know how important they are?
On the whole, the story explores the similarities we encounter in the different ages of our lives. Brad Pitt is without a doubt eye candy, though his wooden rendition of this character is enhanced by the plot.
It’s a funny thing coming home. Looks the same, smells the same, feels the same. You’ll realize what’s changed is you.
Lives converge and part in different directions.
You life is defined by its opportunities. Even the ones you miss.
Nonetheless, the movie is an enjoyable one with marvellous cinematography, memorable dialogue and impressive makeup. The posters do no justice to Cate Blanchett, who appear absolutely divine as a young lady! A good respite for an otherwise tiring week of work.
My fave line from the film : You can be mad as a mad dog at the way things went; you can swear and curse the fates - but when it comes to the end, you have to let go.
Because at the end of it all, what really matters doesn't seem to matter anymore.
