The Curious Case of Benjamin Button stands out among other major motion pictures with its nuanced and realistic view of aging. The tendency in our society, especially in popular culture, is to privilege youth and view aging as tragedy. While this movie had deeply poignant moments and did not gloss over the sorrow of loss, it also showed the experiences and relationships at every stage that make life into the rich thing that it is.
Expressed by several characters in the film is the perception that life is somehow over, that you’ve finished achieving and growing as a person, when you’re no longer young. Daisy (Cate Blanchett) felt that her life was over after a car accident ended her career as a ballerina, but she went on to open her own ballet studio, have loving and meaningful relationships, and raise a daughter. Elizabeth (Tilda Swinton) regretted that she did not achieve more in her youth, then years later went on to achieve her dreams. Caroline (Julia Ormond) expressed regret in a belief that she did not turn out the way she wanted to be, but as a letter from Benjamin expressed, there was still time, and you can always change.
Even the more sorrowful moments, such as the final days of Benjamin’s and Daisy’s lives, had overtones of love and caring, which, though painful when loss is near, is what makes life worthwhile.
References
Fincher, D. (2009). The curious case of Benjamin Button [motion picture]. Hollywood, CA: Paramount Home Entertainment.
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