11.17.08
New ‘Benjamin Button’ Posters, Not A Lock For ‘Oscar,’ Variety Pre-view?
Not a review, per se, so it’s evidently ok under the embargo, but IndieWire’s Eugene Hernandez gives 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. [Courtesy of The Playlist]
Jerry said,
November 17, 2008 at 11:46 am
Those are the fugliest, most bland posters I have ever seen. Still dying to see the film tho.
Nick Plowman said,
November 17, 2008 at 11:49 am
Yeah, I mean I don’t personally have any ideas as to how Benjamin Button posters should look like, but I sure as hell know that those are pretty lame. Seriously lame.
Kerry said,
November 17, 2008 at 12:22 pm
Okay, I didn’t want to make this public knowledge or anything, but I have seen The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. Seeing as I saw it as someone’s “plus one,” I am not tied to any sort of embargo deal, so I will just lay my thoughts out. Firstly, whoever said Button was an Oscar lock in the first place was a fool, there is no such thing as a lock. Just my opinion. I do think the film will hit it big in terms of the technical categories, and still has a good shot at Best Pic, Director and adapted Screenplay.
The audience I saw it with were mixed on the films Oscar chances, but not on the fact that it is one of the years finest films, we all agreed on that. They were all a bunch of complete and utter film snobs so I wouldn’t take them too seriously. Needless to say, I urge absolutely everyone to dispel these early opinions and wait until you all see the film yourself, it is certainly going to divide audiences methinks, but consider on the side in favor of its Oscar chances, which doesn’t really matter because it is such a great, epic film.
Sasha Perez said,
November 17, 2008 at 2:58 pm
All I want for Christmas is Benjamin Button…and the fact that some of you are getting my Christmas present early makes me sad. :(
Justin said,
November 17, 2008 at 5:22 pm
*sticks fingers in ears* Not listening to any buzz whatsoever, sorry. Not having this one ruined by any negativity.
p.s. glad you saw it early Kerry, I’m just saying.
Jerry said,
November 17, 2008 at 6:56 pm
That Variety “preview” seems more like paid for advertising to me than anything else.
Fox said,
November 17, 2008 at 7:40 pm
What is this “you can’t review the movie yet” thingy? And who is behind it? Is there some contract or something?
And eeesh… I hope the movie is better than those posters.
Alexander Coleman said,
November 17, 2008 at 10:56 pm
Those posters are just awful.
Matthew Lucas said,
November 17, 2008 at 11:47 pm
Blanchett looks like the lovechild of Irina Spalko and the aliens from KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL in that poster.
Alexander Coleman said,
November 18, 2008 at 12:43 am
Hahaha, Matthew…
Patrick said,
November 18, 2008 at 3:28 am
I had just seen the original poster here in Baltimore on Saturday and all I can say is that is bland in terms of what this movie is supposed to be about. The same day, I saw my first preview of this movie and I have to admit that it is certainly a movie I have to see before I’d believe it has a shot at best picture. This is turning out to be a weird year in movies and right now from what I can tell it feels alot like the 05′ season when we had a wide range of what I’d call off the wall titles (Crash, Capote, Munich, and Brokeback). If we are still looking at Wall-E being a best picture nomination that tells me this could be a weak year. I have to say I have not seen Wall-E but the fact that we are looking at an animated film here says alot.
It would not shock me to see this year turn out to be independant oriented . Movies like Rachel Getting Married, Happy go Lucky, The Visitor, and even Smart People are now looking more and more like possibilites. Obviously all these are speculations until the winter movies are released…but anyone’s guess is just as good as the next one!
Sam Juliano said,
November 18, 2008 at 3:53 am
“Movies like RACHEL GETTING MARRIED, HAPPY-GO-LUCKY, THE VISITOR are now looking more and more like possibilities…..”
Indeed Patrick, indeed, and I love it.
Nick Plowman said,
November 18, 2008 at 12:53 pm
Indeed Matt and Alex, the posters suck and Blanchett looks totally weird. I dont get these posters at all.
I see Rachel Getting Married next week! So stoked. Hopefully The Visitor in December too. Yay, yay and fucking yay.
Kerry said,
November 18, 2008 at 3:21 pm
Fox — an embargo is a rule that stops critics/journos/media folks who see films early from publishing their thoughts or opinions prematurely, and it is set by the studio behind whatever film it may be. Sometimes, we are flat out told not to review films early, but other times an embargo is simply implied. Most of the time, no one sticks to embargoes anyway, only people with a tiny bit of decency bother to do so anymore.
taylor said,
January 30, 2009 at 2:46 am
Definitly a different movie, but a good one. I watched it on gottv.blogspot.com and loved it!