The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008)

Note Générale:

8,1/10   

Réalisateur:

David Fincher

Scénaristes (WGA):

Eric Roth (screenplay)
Eric Roth (screen story) ...

Date de sortie:

25 décembre 2008 (USA)

Genre:

Drame | Fantasy | Mystère | Romance

Accroche:

Life isn't measured in minutes, but in moments

Intrigue:

Tells the story of Benjamin Button, a man who starts aging backwards with bizarre consequences.

Plot Keywords:

Button | Diary | Aging | Daughter | Hurricane Katrina

Récompenses:

Won 3 Oscars. Another 31 wins & 68 nominations

Avis des utilisateurs:

An Astonishing Rarity

Ensemble

Cate Blanchett	...	Daisy
Julia Ormond	...	Caroline
Faune A. Chambers	...	Dorothy Baker
Elias Koteas	...	Monsieur Gateau
Donna DuPlantier	...	Blanche Devereux
Jacob Tolano	...	Martin Gateau (as Jacob Wood)
Earl Maddox	...	Man at Train Station
Ed Metzger	...	Teddy Roosevelt
Jason Flemyng	...	Thomas Button
Danny Vinson	...	Priest Giving Last Rites
David Jensen	...	Doctor at Benjamin's Birth
Joeanna Sayler	...	Caroline Button
Taraji P. Henson	...	Queenie
Mahershalalhashbaz Ali	...	Tizzy
Fiona Hale	...	Mrs. Hollister

Autre(s) titre(s):

Benjamin Button (USA) (working title)
The Curious Case (International: English title) (informal short title)

MPAA:

Rated PG-13 for brief war violence, sexual content, language and smoking.

Durée:

166 min

Pays:

USA

Langue:

Anglais | Russe | Français

Couleur:

Couleur

Rapport de forme:

2,35 : 1

Son:

DTS | Dolby Digital | SDDS

Classification:

USA:PG-13 (certificate #44743) | Australia:M | Finland:K-11 | UK:12A | Ireland:12A | Czech Republic:12 | Singapore:PG | New Zealand:M | South Korea:12 | Philippines:PG-13 (MTRCB) | Norway:7 | Portugal:M/12 (Qualidade) | Brazil:12 | Hong Kong:IIA | Netherlands:6 | Switzerland:10 (canton of Geneva) | Switzerland:10 (canton of Vaud) | Chile:Y7 | Argentina:13 | Peru:14 | Spain:T | Canada:PG (Ontario) | Sweden:11 | Mexico:B | Austria:10 | Denmark:11 | Germany:12 | France:U | Iceland:7 | Sweden:7

Lieux de tournage:

Burbank, California, USA

Société:

Warner Bros. Pictures

Anecdotes:

When Benjamin is seen reading a novel on "The Chelsea", a picture from F. Scott Fitzgerald's short story "Winter Dreams" is clearly seen.

Goofs:

Anachronismes: In the scene where Benjamin has been alive for 17 years (making the date 1935) he walks out onto the street pursued by young Daisy. A modern day fire hydrant (with the anti-turn valve on top) can be seen on the street.

Guillemet:

Thomas Button: [runs upstairs to see Caroline and his newborn but sees a room full of people and Caroline bleeding. Soon, the pastor enters the room] What are you doing here?
Dr. Rose: Thomas. It's Caroline. She's going to die.
Thomas Button: No. No, I want all of you out! Get away from her!
[runs to Caroline and takes her hand]
Thomas Button: I'm here. I came as soon as I could. The streets were wild. The war is over, Carrie.
Caroline Button: [whispers] Promise me he'll have a place.
Thomas Button: [confused] I... I promise.
[Caroline draws her last breath and dies]

Connexions:

figure dans The 14th Annual Critics' Choice Awards (2009) (TV)

Bande son:

WISH SOMEONE WOULD CARE

An Astonishing Rarity

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button is a film unlike any I've ever seen and probably ever will. A true epic that left me utterly speechless. It accomplished so much through such simplicity. Everything was top notch from the elegant directing to the subtly wonderful performances down to the magical score. The film demands you to feel not only for the death we witness, but for the incredible life we discover. It prays on the obvious morality issues we all deal with but also dangles the idea in front of us that everyone goes through the same joys and grievances, just not in the same way. This is a momentous tale that deserves nothing less than the title of brilliance.

This visually and emotionally rich movie recalls the life of a very peculiar man born in the early 20th century who ages backwards. His tale unfolds through a diary read by the daughter of his love, Daisy. Throughout life he goes through the same things we do, growing up and eventually growing old. He's a thoughtful observer, discovering life from all different angles. But it is not his life that makes him unique. His love is what makes him special. He spends a lifetime trying to understand how his love for Daisy works and still only gets a few incredible years really loving her. As their lives tell us, the years of frustration and hardship are all worth it if only for a few moments of happiness.

The direction in the film is almost flawless. Hopefully, Benjamin Button will garner David Fincher the recognition he deserves. He winds this clock so well and with such grace that the movie has this undeniable flow that is enjoyable from start to finish. At nearly 3 hours, there is not a minute wasted. Every shot is jaw dropping and while some will find issue with the time, it is used wisely.

The acting is also a thing of wonder. This is by far Brad Pitt's best performance. He is so believable and realistic throughout. His nuances are spot on and despite the heavy use of make-up and CGI used to portray his character, it is Pitt who makes Benjamin that much more curious.

I left the theater astonished that some one could review this movie badly. It is an extremely graceful depiction of life, love, and the things we lose. After so much anticipation I was certainly not disappointed. This movie is probably not for everyone though. It's not your average drama that spoon feeds it's audience their emotions. It is something of awe and astonishment, an absolute gem. What makes our lives memorable are the moments we never seem to grasp long enough before letting go. Life in itself is indeed very, very curious and Benjamin Button is no less of a wonder.