Thursday, June 4, 2009

Theme Thursday Clock


I've been musing a great deal about the passage of time. My last post was all about the subject. My post for the new year was along the same lines. My father-in-law is terminally ill and that has me thinking of the impermanence of life. I guess a blog titled "Empty Nest Evolution" is bound to be engaged in an ongoing dialog of life, death and meaning.

Tuesday night, my husband and I finally saw "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" and, from the opening, I knew I had my image for Theme Thursday as well as a natural continuation of my thoughts.

This movie trailer is a bit lengthy but will give you a sense of the film. There are talking heads at the end who are not necessary to much of anything other than the web site from which this is lifted. The movie is flawed, over long (2:48), too sentimental, occasionally non-sensical with characters making choices that seem to go against their nature, etc. But it has its moments and I like what it represents: the moments we get, the moments we don't get back.

21 comments:

Tess Kincaid said...

I saw this when it was still at the theater. I'll have to say it wasn't exactly my favorite movie. But I agree, there were a few good moments.

Brian Miller said...

saw it in the theatre as well...must admit a bit long, but does touch as you say on those moments...like in the ballet studio...interesting how life in reverse is not much different than going forward. it's waht we do in between the diapers.

Reyjr said...

i liked that movie Curious Case of Benjamin Button. :)

Kat Mortensen said...

I haven't seen it, but strangely, I don't really have a desire to see it. I agree with you that what it represents is valuable; I'm just not sure I need to see the film. (Maybe one day I'll rent it.)

Kat

tony said...

I hadnt see Mr.Button.but,Hell,Why Not!....[if it's out on DVD yet?I will search it out..........]It's an interesting subject & equally interesting why,Now 'Time' seems to be a topic on our collective minds.

mouse (aka kimy) said...

despite it's flaws a totally enjoyed the film....maybe because we went to a matinee (on a cold, cold day in winter) it didn't seem long and was a nice little escape....

Ed & Jeanne said...

I saw it. I think it would be hard to live life in reverse of everyone else. By the time you're finally strong you actually do have the wisdom too but everyone else is getting weak and you don't fit in. Interesting concept...

Ronda Laveen said...

I agree with your critque of the film. But it did have its moments of clarity. Thanks, fun take on TT.

Dakota Bear said...

I saw the movie when it was in the theater, even though it was too long I knew it would receive Oscar nominations. Than I read the short story by F. Scott Fitzgerald from which it was taken. If you had read the short story first you would not have recognized it in the movie.

Wings1295 said...

Interesting, my 11-year-old wants to see it, but postponed it in favor of MLB Bloopers! Maybe next time. :)

Megan said...

I've been wanting to watch this because I love Cate so much but I haven't got to it yet.

Sorry to hear about your father-in-law. :(

California Girl said...

Thank you for all your comments. I guess my post is more about the movie than the passage of time and that was not my intent. I just liked the big clock image that opened the film. But the movie resonated despite its flaws. The older I get. the more poignant things seem. I haven't read the story but I'm going to find it. I did not expect it would resemble the film.

Tom said...

Benjamin Button...was Ok,,,but i felt like it was just a big rip off of Forest Gump...which was 10X better and had a better soundtrack.

The Silver Fox said...

I like the concept, but I think I'll track down the Fitzgerald story first.

Baino said...

It is a strange movie but also compelling. I had no idea it was a Fitzgerald short story. But you're right, the more we think about the passing of time, the quicker it goes. All those moments lost. . .rather sad really.

Trish and Rob MacGregor said...

I remember reading one reviewer's piece about how cardboard Pitt was in the movie. But I thought his acting was brilliant, understated yet strangely compelling. I mean, the guy was born old and got younger, think about how weird and disturbing that would be. At every step of the way, his eyes reflected his pain and puzzlement. Yes, it was too long. But I was completely immersed in it.

Mrsupole said...

I have to agree with what Kat said. I too have no desire to see this movie right now, maybe someday I will see it. I just haven't felt like watching too many movies for some reason.

But yes it is weird that when you are a child time seems to go so slowly, and when you get older time just flies on by.

I hope your father-in-law is doing better. You are all in my prayers.

God bless.

Anonymous said...

Didn't know what this was about at first; then I got hold of the concept/plot via word-of-mouth. Dunno if I'd watch it or not. It's pretty far out...

ratatouille's archives said...

Hi! California Girl,
This is my first time visiting your blog. And I'am so glad that I stopped by. A couple of nice things...
Nice post!
Nice Blog!
and Nice Trailer!
Yes, I do own a copy (screener) of the film The Curious Case of Benjamin Button...Now, I'am curious, and must watch it!
Tks,
DeeDee

Dot-Com said...

Sometimes we do need a reminder that we don't get time/moments back. Maybe I should be curious and watch the movie :-)

Sixpence and A Blue Moon said...

Gee, I thought I had commented on this yesterday, but I must have thought about it and never typed the words. This movie is on my list of favorites! It is an amazing story, with so much insight and depth. It is unrealistic, but it is one of those movies that will pry your mind open, make you think about the people who have touched your life. I LOVE this movie!!!