The signal is subtle
We pass just close enough to touch
No questions, no answers
We know by now to say enough
With only simple words
With only subtle turns
The things we feel alone for one another
There is a secret that we keep
I won't sleep if you won't sleep
Because tonight may be the last chance we'll be given
We are compelled to do what we must do
We are compelled to do what we have been forbidden
So I won't sleep if you won't sleep tonight
Saturday, February 07, 2009
the curious case of benjamin button
when i first heard that this was given 13 oscar nominations and brad pitt was 'headlining' it for best actor award, something seemed off.
so i watched it, and it confirmed my suspicions.
as always, a supposed overly-hyped up oscar-nominated movie has to include some over-publicised hollywood actor, and this time, brad pitt was thrown into that spotlight.
the storyline, the technicalities of execution and cinematography was worthy of its nominations. but pitt, as a character full of complexity, and in a rather unique situation, failed to deliver the goods. emotionally, benjamin seemed a little too calm and expressively in his actions, he was a tad too nonchalant about his circumstances. i'm basing my observations on the fact that any 'normal' human being brought into the world with such 'abnormalities' would see the world with such wonder and bring a sort of 'magic' to their everyday interactions with others.
of course, i'm not saying that those born with abnormalities should be any different from a perfectly healthy person, but for cinematic effect, benjamin's character needed to be "alive" and should have brought the audience to question his world: "what's it like?"
even as benjamin's character grew up, and he adapted to his surroundings, pitt just did not seem convincing enough to show us how different it is to be in benjamin's shoes. now, it begs the question, if it isn't so different, that what is the point of telling benjamin's story to us?
sad to say, pitt's acting skills fell flat, it was mediocre and stagnant. someone with better credibility of portraying such "colourful" characters should have been considered instead (read: sean penn or tom hanks, for example).
cate blanchett's character kind of left a bitter aftertaste, only because she isn't really a likeable character to begin with and it takes quite a bit of time to allow one's self to digest her intentions and fickle-mindedness as the movie progresses. overall, i would have to say it was not up to my expectations and the ridiculous number of nominations it received is just.... well, hysterical. it did not deserve that many, especially pitt. his life partner did a FAR better job in 'the changeling'.
3.5 out of 5.
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Wani
23/02/1986 (Pisces)
(Psychology & Communications) Monash University
Chatting, chilling, poetry, movies, making love, making out.
Tigger & Princess
In love with love; cynical with a hint of tease. ;) LOVE THE WORLD AND SMILE AT THE STRANGER.
