Yes, I realize that this film is of recent release, and that may not define it as a classic. But, I cannot deny the film of being a masterpiece because it simply is one. Its future uncertain, but I hope that as I age, I will hear the word "Benjamin Button" and "Classic" used in the same sentence.I'm sure that most of you know what the story is, but for those who don't, here follows. Benjamin Button, born an old man in the Jazz era, ages backwards. You see his life and history revolve around him, and most of all, his relationship with a dancer named Daisy.
The performances here are top-notch, especially Brad Pitt, Cate Blanchett (CaBla), and Taraji P. Henson. You can especially see Henson shine in the beginning of the film as Pitt's mother role at a nursing home. It is very subtle, powerful, and speaks volumes.
Brad Pitt has never done better, and his role in this and The Tree of Life are quite equal. He plays a naive old man, a curious young man, and a husband. He is never wild, and always likable. As an old man, he speaks with wit and simplicity. Props go to makeup and visual effects, for convincingly turning the superstar Brad Pitt into an average joe and old man.
Cate Blanchett, of all the previously listed performances in the film, was the only one not nominated, but she did dazzling and equal work. As Daisy, CaBla succeeds on a verbal level, and a visual level. She dances beautifully and speaks fluently. It's hard to not be charmed by her in the movie, like Benjamin.
The script is smartly written and heavily dramatic. A slight variation of Forrest Gump it may be, but it is an overall better film. Compared to Gump, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button is a much more dramatic success and with better performances.
So Button, lengthy and done before, is a gripping, human, and emotional. In the future, I hope that this film is remembered in the likes of modern classics like The Silence of the Lambs and GoodFellas
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