Fincher crafts 'Button' into cinematic piece of art
Sean Smith
Issue date: 12/5/08 Section: Arts & Entertainment
"Many actors weigh a part based on what their character gets to do," director David Fincher said. "Well, Benjamin doesn't 'do' a lot, per se, but, man, he goes through an enormous amount. Brad was the perfect person. It's the kind of role that would be passive in lesser hands."
Fincher (Fight Club, Se7en) does an amazing job crafting Benjamin Button's universe from the setting of 1940s New Orleans, which becomes a character of the story itself, to as far as Russia. The bizarre situation of Benjamin seems entirely plausible, letting the audience invest more in his relationships and journey than his reverse aging.
"He never left a stone unturned and he was there for every step of the way. He goes over everything - every grain of salt. You feel safe. I just felt I could jump feet first, eyes closed and I knew that Fincher would catch me," Henson recalled of her experience working with the director.
Fincher also does wonders when working with his actors with not only their acting chops, but also prosthetics to showcase multiple ages. There was the use of "AnEmotion," a new technology, which allowed Fincher to take Pitt's facial expressions and mannerisms and place them onto another actor for the scenes of Benjamin's early years. This fantastic use of technology looks so natural, one can hardly believe it.
Overall, "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" is great film that entertains, touches the heart, and lets your mind consider things that are fantastic and otherwise unbelievable. It is an emotional journey that clocks in at almost three hours, but it is well worth it.
"The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" opens nationwide Dec. 25.
Fincher (Fight Club, Se7en) does an amazing job crafting Benjamin Button's universe from the setting of 1940s New Orleans, which becomes a character of the story itself, to as far as Russia. The bizarre situation of Benjamin seems entirely plausible, letting the audience invest more in his relationships and journey than his reverse aging.
"He never left a stone unturned and he was there for every step of the way. He goes over everything - every grain of salt. You feel safe. I just felt I could jump feet first, eyes closed and I knew that Fincher would catch me," Henson recalled of her experience working with the director.
Fincher also does wonders when working with his actors with not only their acting chops, but also prosthetics to showcase multiple ages. There was the use of "AnEmotion," a new technology, which allowed Fincher to take Pitt's facial expressions and mannerisms and place them onto another actor for the scenes of Benjamin's early years. This fantastic use of technology looks so natural, one can hardly believe it.
Overall, "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" is great film that entertains, touches the heart, and lets your mind consider things that are fantastic and otherwise unbelievable. It is an emotional journey that clocks in at almost three hours, but it is well worth it.
"The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" opens nationwide Dec. 25.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Kiki
posted 12/09/08 @ 8:14 AM EST
I am so excited to see this movie on Christmas day! The film looks beautifully shot, and the acting looks very good. I am so proud of the the work Brad Pitt has done on and off the screen. (Continued…)
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