Not a review, per se, so it’s evidently ok under the embargo, but IndieWire’s Eugene Hernandez give some thoughts on “The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button,” a film causing quite the stir with some not prepared to hear that it’s anything less than utter genius.
“While I feel that “Benjamin Button” is, on first viewing, hardly a lock for best picture, the attention that will justifiably be paid to its considerable technological achievements could sweep it into the higher profile categories. (”Forrest Gump” was popular with the Academy and there are some parallel’s here). But, as I was telling a friend today, for a much more striking and beautiful marriage of technology and ideas, I’d encourage folks to watch “WALL-E” again.”
IndieWire collegue Peter Knegt says:
“It is almost certain to get tons of artistic and technical nods, and maybe that will help it in overall. But remember when “Dreamgirls” got the most overall nods but no best picture? I don’t know, that’s where my guess is going at this very moment.”
Update: We’ve been sent the new digital posters of ‘Button’ in a Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett version so we’re bumping up this post (you’ve already seen the original, but we’ll post again). Also, no one can write official reviews yet,right? Though yes, tons of “thoughts” have been posted already (see above).
On Friday, very late in the day West Coast time (even later here), Variety posted what feels like a carefully-worded preview piece by someone who’s seen the film, but is trying hard not to “review” it (seriously, is here a huge difference unless the author is holding something back major like he dislikes it? It’s very positive.
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” is imagery wizard David Fincher’s big-canvas play for mass acceptance, and he’s fashioned an effects-laden but character-driven epic that recalls the sweetly doomed, emotional glamour of Hollywood’s golden era.
And the writer goes on at length about the achievements in special effects.
A Fincher movie is usually a cause for technical celebration, and “Button” covers all the bases, from the sepia-to-spectrum richness of the visuals (Claudio Miranda) to the century tour of clothing styles (prior nominee Jacqueline West), and from the stunning New Orleans-based production design to the performance-capture-meets-makeup aging effects that put Pitt’s wrinkled face on a shuffling, diminutive body.
Hmmm, the plot thickens.
Variety has the first official review for TCCOBB up and they don’t seem to agree at all with what your guys are telling you. In fact, it seems to me to be a rave. Imagine that.
Here’s an exerpt…
“…The Curious Case of Benjamin Button is imagery wizard David Fincher’s big-canvas play for mass acceptance, and he’s fashioned an effects-laden, but character-driven, epic that recalls the sweetly doomed, emotional glamour of Hollywood’s golden era…
…Oscar-winning screenwriter Eric Roth elegantly fused F. Scott Fitzgerald’s short story with a decades-spanning love story, another favorite genre with voters. It helps give “Button” a chance at a category-sweeping juggernaut, with Fincher on track to score his first Academy nomination…”
Where are all these reviews and sentiments?
I’m just saying…
Contrary to popular belief, i have a life and am not online 24/7. You think if a trade posted a review i would avoid it on purpose to “push my agenda” as you keep suggesting? Ridiculous. I’m going to modify this post now cause this changes a lot.
However, what are you talking about? Send a link cause i don’t see a review. Did Paramount ask them to take it down? Nothing on the main page.
Nice fake review, “Jake.”
God, I’m so confused.
I never realized how sensitive and thin skinned you were. My apologies. I didn't realize a little criticism would disturb you like this.
Here's the link…(I don't know how to make it clickable)
http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117995794.html?categoryID=3296&cs=1
I didn't realize that a good review would upset you to such a degree. I can't imagine where i'd get the idea that you had an agenda (or more likely were a patsy for someone else's agenda).
But I suppose the review doesn't correspond with your preconcieved narrative about this film which is: "it will suck, I don't need to watch it." (Out of sight, out of mind, right?) The fact that you couldn't find it (even though it's on the Benjamin Buttons board and the Oscar buzz board at imdb) perhaps says something about your own research abilities and might explain a lot about what has happened these past weeks.
All I asked was for you to show balance and report things as they are, rather than be as objective as "FOX News" covering the Democratic Convention. As in: cherry picking the "facts" you present.
The fact that you have taken to calling me a "kid" (which i'm not) and "Jake" (whatever that means) only shows how untenable your position is and why it should be discounted all together.
After visiting this site regularly for the past year or so, I didn't realize what an idiot you were until the past 48 hours.
This film will do well without you and your wannabe blog. These type of blogs get more pathetic with each passing day.
Get over yourself, will you.
That's all…
blah, blah. maybe if you read a little closer, you’d realize that’s a preview based on the script and not a review.
Feel free to not read us anymore. It would make my day actually.
woah fincher fan, settle down it’s only a film, who really cares if the word of mouth on this thing is anything less than amazing. And honestly, comparing a blog (which is supposed to have opinions) and fox news (which is supposed to NOT have opinions) is completely stupid.
Even if by chance the playlist is totally ignoring the “positive” things being said about the film, that’s their own right. Plus, a negative to some is a positive to others. Personally I like hearing about the bad parts about a film because it levels expectations and gives you a good idea of what you may or may not like about a film.
Someone is obviously super invested in Fincher’s success. His fans tend to be obsessives. Playlist reported Anne Thompson’s positive thoughts and Jeffrey Wells, second-hand ones as well. Not sure what that guy is on about.