am always dubious when a film has everyone lavishing award nominations on it and critics are gushing over it. I always feel that it is never going to reach the expectations that you think. I am happy to report, however, that this isn't the case.
Benjamin Button is a beautifully shot, completely understated movie that for all of its running time, which is close to three hours, will captivate you and take you along. Similar to Forrest Gump in the fact that this is a man's journey through his life, it does have a touching, sweet and ultimately, doomed love story to take it along.
Brad Pitt, who over the years has taken on some quite interesting characters, once again proves he is more than a pretty face and media darling, with a nicely pitch performance that you can't help but be swept along with. Adding to it is the always wonderful Cate Blanchett, who once again proves that she is one of the finest screen actresses around, and with a part that is not as showy as Pitt's, still grabs you and the pair make for a lovely screen couple that you can't help but fall in love with, just like they do.
The real star of the film, however, isn't even on the screen. It is director David Fincher. None of his previous works could ever ready you for this. The man that gave us Fight Club and Zodiac has produced one of the finest love stories in recent time. It is shot with care and attention, and handled gently, letting this truly delightful story play out without once ever going over the top. A triumph.
A note to the film distributors: I know it's awards season and you want everyone to see the films that are up against each other, but couldn't you not stagger them more? So many are being missed (three big, quality movies out this week!) that audiences looking for great movie entertainment cannot afford to see all of them. I am sure they must be losing money on them too.
No comments:
Post a Comment