The Occasional Blog of Jonah Weiland

I liked “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.” Truthfully, though, there was little chance I wouldn’t like it. I tend to like the films David Fincher makes (“The Game” is my favorite and I even liked “Panic Room”), and judging by just the trailers I knew I’d enjoy it. I recognize it’s not a perfect film — there are way too many holes in the story that never get concluded or explained well (and no I’m not talking about the reasons why he de-ages) — but it’s a beautifully well made and crafted film, with some excellent performances. The visuals of the film alone are Oscar worthy. And the film is rather emotionally manipulative, but it’s the one kind of manipulation that gets me every time — stories of life and death.

Ever since my father passed away three years ago, I spend a lot of time (I hope not too much) thinking about life and death. Experiencing that first significant loss in life does that to you. It’s something I both fear and enjoy thinking about. It’s some very scary and sad stuff, but it challenges you in profound ways. While I wouldn’t say “Button” challenges you in profound ways, I would say that if you are predisposed to that sort of philosophical examination — or are just a big sap like I am — then I think this movie will connect with you. But I just don’t know if it’s going to connect deeply with everyone. I think anyone who sees it will come away enjoying some aspect of it, but I recognize it’s a bit heavy handed and the romanticism of life it depicts will turn some people off.

I fear, though, that as I think about the film more I’ll enjoy it less. It’s not the most original film I’ve ever seen — it really is “Forest Gump” meets “Titanic” in a lot of ways. The story seems incomplete in places (I hope there’s going to be some 3.5 hour long version of the movie that fills in the reason why some characters even exist in the film). But the visual look, the performances and the aging technology they use in the film are all fascinating. As is the depiction of the the different eras the movie takes place in. It’s all rather engaging despite its flaws.

I just reread the above and realize I don’t really have a point. I think that’s because I’m rather conflicted about the movie. I think I wanted it to go deeper emotionally — like it just fell short of where it should have been, which keeps me from raving about it.

Or maybe I just need some sleep and really shouldn’t be posting this. Too late.