"The Curse of Benjamin Button" is a mythical affliction that draws its namesake from F. Scott Fitzgerald's famous short story and subsequent film adaptation. The tale surrounds a man who is born with a unique condition that causes him to age in reverse. While the notion of aging backward may initially seem glamorous, the story explores the complexities and curses that accompany such an enigmatic existence. The curse manifests itself in various ways throughout Benjamin Button's life. As a baby, he resembles an old man, causing confusion and unease among his family and community.
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Weak and wrinkled as a toddler, unlined and unencumbered as a grandfather, his is a life that moves against everyone else s current -- including that of Queenie Taraji P. Expect some sexual innuendo and nonexplicit clinches, swearing including infrequent use of f--k , a sequence that includes a bit of bloody violence, and period-accurate smoking and drinking.
As a baby, he resembles an old man, causing confusion and unease among his family and community. Throughout his childhood and adolescence, he faces constant ridicule and isolation due to his unusual appearance and unconventional aging process. The curse robs him of a typical youth, leaving him with the experiences and perspectives of an elderly person, despite his young age.
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button Screenplay Quotes
“For what it’s worth: it’s never too late or, in my case, too early to be whoever you want to be. There’s no time limit, stop whenever you want. You can change or stay the same, there are no rules to this thing. We can make the best or the worst of it. I hope you make the best of it. And I hope you see things that startle you. I hope you feel things you never felt before. I hope you meet people with a different point of view. I hope you live a life you’re proud of. If you find that you’re not, I hope you have the courage to start all over again.”
― Eric Roth, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button Screenplay
“Our lives are defined by opportunities, even the ones we miss.”
― Eric Roth, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button Screenplay
“I hope you live a life you’re proud of. If you find that you’re not, I hope you have the strength to start all over again.”
― Eric Roth, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button Screenplay
“It’s a funny thing coming home. Nothing changes. Everything looks the same, feels the same, even smells the same. You realize what’s changed, is you.”
― Eric Roth, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button Screenplay
“You can be as mad as a mad dog at the way things went, you can curse the fates, but when it comes to the end, you have to let go.”
― Eric Roth, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button Screenplay
“Benjamin, we’re meant to lose the people we love. How else would we know how important they are to us?”
― Eric Roth, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button Screenplay
“For what it’s worth: it’s never too late to be whoever you want to be. I hope you live a life you’re proud of, and if you find that you’re not, I hope you have the strength to start all over again.”
― Eric Roth, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button Screenplay
― Eric Roth, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button Screenplay
“Sometimes we’re on a collision course, and we just don’t know it. Whether it’s by accident or by design, there’s not a thing we can do about it. A woman in Paris was on her way to go shopping, but she had forgotten her coat - went back to get it. When she had gotten her coat, the phone had rung, so she’d stopped to answer it; talked for a couple of minutes. While the woman was on the phone, Daisy was rehearsing for a performance at the Paris Opera House. And while she was rehearsing, the woman, off the phone now, had gone outside to get a taxi. Now a taxi driver had dropped off a fare earlier and had stopped to get a cup of coffee. And all the while, Daisy was rehearsing. And this cab driver, who dropped off the earlier fare; who’d stopped to get the cup of coffee, had picked up the lady who was going to shopping, and had missed getting an earlier cab. The taxi had to stop for a man crossing the street, who had left for work five minutes later than he normally did, because he forgot to set off his alarm. While that man, late for work, was crossing the street, Daisy had finished rehearsing, and was taking a shower. And while Daisy was showering, the taxi was waiting outside a boutique for the woman to pick up a package, which hadn’t been wrapped yet, because the girl who was supposed to wrap it had broken up with her boyfriend the night before, and forgot.
When the package was wrapped, the woman, who was back in the cab, was blocked by a delivery truck, all the while Daisy was getting dressed. The delivery truck pulled away and the taxi was able to move, while Daisy, the last to be dressed, waited for one of her friends, who had broken a shoelace. While the taxi was stopped, waiting for a traffic light, Daisy and her friend came out the back of the theater. And if only one thing had happened differently: if that shoelace hadn’t broken; or that delivery truck had moved moments earlier; or that package had been wrapped and ready, because the girl hadn’t broken up with her boyfriend; or that man had set his alarm and got up five minutes earlier; or that taxi driver hadn’t stopped for a cup of coffee; or that woman had remembered her coat, and got into an earlier cab, Daisy and her friend would’ve crossed the street, and the taxi would’ve driven by. But life being what it is - a series of intersecting lives and incidents, out of anyone’s control - that taxi did not go by, and that driver was momentarily distracted, and that taxi hit Daisy, and her leg was crushed.”
― Eric Roth, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button Screenplay
“Life can only be understood looking backward. It must be lived forward.”
― Eric Roth, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button Screenplay
The movie's unique premise is ultimately used to convey messages about the flexible nature of family, the importance of approaching life with curiosity and enthusiasm, and the joys -- and pains -- of true love.
As the curse progresses, Benjamin Button's life becomes increasingly complicated. He falls in love with a young woman, but their relationship is continually challenged by the curse. While Benjamin becomes younger, his love interest gradually ages, creating a stark juxtaposition that ultimately separates them. The curse denies him the chance for a conventional romantic relationship, forever leaving him longing for a connection that is constantly just out of reach. Moreover, as Benjamin Button approaches infancy once again, he faces potential isolation and loss of independence. While most people can rely on their youth to venture into the world, Benjamin must confront the reality that his physical abilities dwindle as he regresses in age. This aspect of the curse highlights the challenges and limitations faced by individuals who age in reverse, emphasizing the burden they carry and the isolation they experience. Ultimately, the curse of Benjamin Button serves as a metaphor for the inevitability of aging and the passage of time. It prompts reflection on the fragility of human existence and the fleeting nature of youth. Through this tale, Fitzgerald probes the human desire for immortality and the consequences that such a reality would entail. In conclusion, the curse of Benjamin Button explores the complexities and curses that accompany aging in reverse. It showcases the challenges faced by individuals who exist outside the boundaries of traditional aging and raises profound questions about the nature of life and our perception of time. Through this thought-provoking tale, Fitzgerald reminds readers of the transient nature of youth and the importance of living life to its fullest, regardless of the cards we are dealt..
Reviews for "Benjamin Button's Curse: A Symbol of Life's Transience"
1. Sarah - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "The Curse of Benjamin Button." The concept of a reverse aging process sounded fascinating, but the execution fell flat for me. The plot was confusing and disjointed, making it hard to follow the story. Additionally, the characters lacked depth, and I struggled to connect with any of them. Overall, I found the film to be unengaging and lacking emotional impact.
2. John - 1 star - "The Curse of Benjamin Button" was one of the most frustrating films I've ever watched. The pacing was painfully slow, and it felt like the movie dragged on forever. The overuse of visual effects also detracted from the authenticity of the story. I found myself constantly checking the time, waiting for something significant to happen. The shallow exploration of themes that could have been intriguing left me feeling unsatisfied and disinterested.
3. Emily - 2 stars - I had high expectations for "The Curse of Benjamin Button," considering the talented cast and unique concept. However, the film failed to deliver on its potential. The narrative lacked focus and struggled to maintain a cohesive flow. The romantic element felt forced and lacked chemistry between the characters. While the visual effects were impressive, they often overshadowed the weak storytelling. Overall, "The Curse of Benjamin Button" left me with a lingering sense of disappointment.