The Curious Case of Benjamin Button DVD: Review By Shelleynumber2

THE CAST:

I admit I have never been a fan of Brad Pitt. It has nothing to do with his personal life either, I just never thought he was that great of an actor. After watching this film however I must say he is truly growing on me and I am actually looking forward to his future projects including Inglorious Basterds to be released in August. He was nominated for an Oscar for his performance in this film but lost to Sean Penn (Milk). I cannot compare the two performances because I have yet to see Milk, but I can say that Pitt is perfect in the role of Benjamin Button and the Oscar nomination was well deserved.

The other amazing performance in this film comes from Cate Blanchett, but we would expect no less from this incredibly talented actress. No matter what the film, Blanchett commands the screen and never disappoints. Her next project should be one to behold as well since she is portraying Maid Marian to Russell Crowe’s Robin Hood to be released in May 2010.

There are several other actors in this movie that deserve mentioning, the first being Taraji P. Henson who plays Queenie, the woman who raises Benjamin. She made her character very emotional but fun at the same time and was nominated for an Oscar for Actress in a Supporting Role. I continue to be impressed by Jason Flemyng who plays Benjamin’s sometime guilt ridden father. I think because he is not what many would consider handsome he is at times overlooked as an actor. Then there is the beautiful Julia Ormond who I have missed seeing in main stream film.

DIRECTION, CINEMATOGRAPHY AND SPECIAL EFFECTS:

Benjamin Button won three Oscars for Best Achievement in Art Direction, Best Achievement in Makeup and Best Achievement in Visual Effects and was nominated for Oscars in the area of Cinematography, Costume Design, Editing, Achievement in Music, and Sound. So it goes without saying this film was excellent in all these categories. It is visionary and beautifully filmed a pleasure to watch. Everyone has heard how well the special effects are done in this film and everything you have heard is true, they are incredible.

The director David Fincher was nominated for an Oscar as well and again, it was a deserved nomination. This was actually the third time he has worked with Pitt having also directed Se7en and Fight Club.

THE GOOD:

The only other thing that I must mention about this movie is how well it was written earning the writers, Eric Roth and Robin Swicord, yet another Oscar nomination. It is absorbing yet simplistic in its approach to what could have been an overwhelming story.

THE BAD:

In all honesty I cannot think of one thing bad about this film, it is a rarity in that it is close to perfection. There are a couple flaws but they are so minor they are not even worth mentioning.

THE STORY (may contain spoilers):

I am not going to go into a long synopsis of this film because it cannot be sufficiently done in such a small space. Plus it is one that needs to be seen instead of read about. Simply put, the film is the extraordinary story of the life of Benjamin Button.

SPECIAL FEATURES: Standard DVD

The standard DVD contains absolutely no special features, not even a scene selection category. When you hit menu all you get is play and set-up. I find this extremely disappointing and do not think someone should have to pay extra for a special edition copy just so they can have special features. But if you enjoy watching all the extras and are willing to pay an additional $7.00, purchase the 2-disc special edition which includes the following special features:

Interviews with Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett

Audio Commentary featuring Academy Award-nominated Director David Fincher

Footage revealing the innovative techniques behind the Academy Award -winning visual effects and makeup

Step-by-Step examination of the motion-capture process aging Brad Pitt

In-depth exploration of David Fincher's creative process on the set

Interview with acclaimed composer Alexandre Desplat about the score

Featurettes on the film's storyboards, costumes, and Academy Award-winning Art Direction

Stills Galleries, including costume designs and candid behind-the-scenes production photos

Optional French- and Spanish-dubbed soundtracks

Plus: An Essay by film critic Kent Jones

REPLAY VALUE:

Even considering the length of this film I believe it has above average replay value.

BOTTOM LINE:

When I first started hearing about this movie I actually thought it was going to be an unintelligent, meaningless film which everyone will make a big deal over simply because of the actors involved. So even though it was receiving decent reviews, I still kept passing by sticking with my original thinking. Despite the Oscar nominations and wins I was still apprehensive because let’s face it there have been many Oscar award winning films that have turned out to be real stinkers. But finally I decided to give the movie a shot and my only regret was not seeing it sooner. I cannot recommend this film highly enough; it is truly one of the best films from 2008. I realize it is not for everyone and there are individuals who will hate the film, but at least give it a shot, I think you will enjoy it immensely.

Thanks for reading.