Curious Case of Benjamin Button – Blu Ray Review

The Film:

What shaped the decisions and who did we meet that shaped us? These are some of the questions raised in the latest David Fincher film, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, a story about a man who was born old and ages younger. Being raised in a retirement home proved to help shape Benjamin into the man he would become, and it’s also where he met Daisy, the little girl who would become the love of his entire life.The film reflects periodically on the situations that we as humans usually don’t reflect on until it’s too late. Who are the people that taught us things that we would never forget? Would we remember their name? Would their stories make us better people? The film glides right along, an amazing feat for a three hour film, but I think it’s because Fincher is as curious as Benjamin about these ideas and themes. Fincher has been known for tackling dark subject matter, like in last year’s vastly under appreciated Zodiac or even in Fight Club. I don’t think I would call The Curious Case of Benjamin Button a dark film, but there’s a sense of sadness that germinates within the film and carries itself with you long after seeing it. 

People react differently to situations and events, and it’s interesting to note that Benjamin in the film never has a reaction of outrage, violence, or cruelty. He faces each event as just another one of life’s challenges, no matter how bad or good, whether it was fate, destiny, or complete randomness, he accepts them. Such a personality is one we all wish we could have, one that can accept the bad with the good, learn, grow, and move on. I think that’s the reason the film works so well. Most of us cannot do this. Some of us grow depressed, or soak emotions up within ourselves.  Through Benjamin’s eyes we face these things head on as he finds first love, death, a father he never knew, and a daughter he’ll never see grow old. 

The heart of the film is Benjamin and Daisy’s love for one another. As he grows old, his appearance grows younger, a dilemma that seems rectified when they meet at almost the exact same age and appearance. Ever since he met her, he’s loved her, and I dare you to keep dry eyes. I couldn’t as I looked through Benjamin’s eyes at the love I once lost, this is the quality of the film.

Fincher needs us to be on board, as the basic principle of the film hinges on FX and it totally sells the idea of an old looking baby who ages younger as everyone else ages proper. Glued by fabulous performances, a soft and moody score, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button works a lot like Forrest Gump without all of the pop culture stuff. It’s moody, heartfelt, charming and utterly fantastic. It’s rare to see a film that fully depicts a life lived in full, and like Benjamin who leaves behind a diary of his life that will get shared, maybe we too can learn to be like Benjamin and have a life as fully lived as him.

The Blu Ray:

Audio/Video: Being a little more excited to review this than most other Blu Rays, since this is my first Criterion Collection Blu Ray. I was not disappointed. Granted the film is new, the transfer sparkles in its recreation of color and dark tones. The audio is soft, not too much bass, since this is a drama, although the rear speakers will get a workout during the Katrina sequences. Fans of the film and of high definition discs will not be disappointed.

Commentary: Fincher always offers a nice track, especially for film buffs. Tons of technical talk, talk of the tone of the picture and little repeat from the big documentary included here.

The Curious Birth of Benjamin Button: This is one of the better making of documentaries I have watched in a good long time. It covers all possible aspects of the production of the film in a “Play All” option or in individual segments. Running at 3 hours, we get every person associated with this film talking candidly about the work from preproduction, like the early drafts of the script to Spielberg wanting to helm it, throughout the 126 day shoot, and of course, the special effects used to create Benjamin. No stone is left unturned, and it’s always refreshing to hear about how hard the film was, the actors offering insightful interviews about their work, to seeing the labor of love it takes to craft a mammoth film. The documentary uses a mix of interviews and behind-the-scenes footage taken on set and in the studio. Don’t miss this exquisite documentary. In HD.

Also included, is the quality essays Criterion puts with their discs.

High definition production Stills Gallery featuring art, costumes, and storyboards, with HD trailers round out the extras.

Conclusion: Incredibly moving film, looks gorgeous on Blu Ray thanks to Criterion.

Rating: