English 225
25 January 2009
Nothing
is Forever
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
satisfies a hypothetical question many of us have pondered when our
imaginations lose control: what if one aged backwards?
Loosely based on the short story of the same name written by F. Scott
Fitzgerald, director David Fincher brings to life an enigmatic tale. The story
causes audiences to feel the losses Benjamin feels watching his loved ones pass
away whilst he gains more and more vitality. The story illustrates the immanency
of death, and ephemerality of life. I demonstrate these themes by examining the
character’s birth, growth, and experiences with death and love.
The tale opens in a New Orleans hospital, watching an old woman (a
heavily makeuped Cate Blanchett) on her ….
