A New Look at Life Through the Eyes of Benjamin Button

I recently watch The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, and it gave me a new look at life and how we (or more specifically, I) live our lives.

It tells the story of Benjamin Button (played by Brad Pitt), a man who starts aging backwards with bizarre consequences. The movie is based on the short story by F. Scott Fitzgerald.

A storyline summary on IMDb states: “On the day that Hurricane Katrina hits New Orleans, elderly Daisy Williams (nee Fuller) is on her deathbed in a New Orleans hospital. At her side is her adult daughter, Caroline. Daisy asks Caroline to read to her aloud the diary of Daisy’s lifelong friend, Benjamin Button. Benjamin’s diary recounts his entire extraordinary life, the primary unusual aspect of which was his aging backwards, being diagnosed with several aging diseases at birth and thus given little chance of survival, but who does survive and gets younger with time. Abandoned by his biological father, Thomas Button, after Benjamin’s biological mother died in childbirth, Benjamin was raised by Queenie, a black woman and caregiver at a seniors home. Daisy’s grandmother was a resident at that home, which is where she first met Benjamin. Although separated through the years, Daisy and Benjamin remain in contact throughout their lives.” (Written by Huggo)

Pitt’s co-stars in the movie are Cate Blanchett as Daisy Williams, Julia Ormand as Caroline (Daisy’s adult daughter), Taraji P. Henson as Queenie (the only “momma” Benjamin knows), Jason Flemyng as Thomas Button, Jared Harris as Captain Mike, and Tilda Swinton as Elizabeth Abbott.

The story was written by Eric Roth and Robin Swicord, and Roth wrote the screenplay. The movie was directed by David Fincher.

Brad Pitt does an excellent job as Benjamin Button, although several actors played the character during certain phases of his life. Peter Badalamenti played Benjamin Button from 1928-1930; Robert Towers from 1932-1934; Tom Everett from 1935-1937; Spencer Daniels, age 12 in 1991; Chandler Canterberry, age 8 in 1995; and Charles Henry Wyson, age 6 in 1997.

Also, several actresses played the character of Daisy, including Blanchett, Elle Fanning (Daisy at age 7), and Madisen Beaty (Daisy at age 10). Blanchett is such an elegant woman and actress, and that elegance really shone through with her character, Daisy.

And Taraji P. Henson, as Queenie, was fabulous as well. Even though the sight of baby Benjamin was shocking at first glance, she took him in and raised him as her own.

Life as we know it starts from birth and we grow older, whereas Benjamin’s life started at birth as an arthritic, sick baby and he grew younger until he died an infant. Some could argue that as we age, we revert back to a child-like state, especially those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and dementia (like Benjamin Button did near the end of his life).

The love Benjamin had for Daisy, and vice versa, was deep. Together they laughed and cried and loved.

Daisy: Would you still love me if I were old and saggy?
Benjamin Button: Would you still love ME if I were young and had acne? When I’m afraid of what’s under the stairs? Or if I end up wetting the bed?

Benjamin knew the direction in which his life was taking, so he left Daisy and their infant daughter, Caroline, because he loved them so much. He traveled and experienced the world, but he always loved Daisy.

Benjamin finally returned home – to the nursing home in which he was raised by Queenie.

Benjamin Button: It’s a funny thing about comin’ home. Looks the same, smells the same, feels the same. You’ll realize what’s changed is you.

I really enjoyed this movie, even though it ran 166 minutes. There were a few lulls in the movie (which was fine because the cinematography was great), but other than those few lulls, it was great!

Have you seen The Curious Case of Benjamin Button? If so, then I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Have a great day!