Movie Review- The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Overall, I found this to be a pretty boring movie. But, just because a work of art is boring, or abstract, or even just plain terrible, does not mean that we cannot mine its resources in service to the Gospel.

The film, based on a short story by F. Scott Fitzgerald, tells the story of a man who was born with a condition which causes his apprearance to look ever younger as he ages. This is a very interesting premise.

There is much theological fodder in the film. Benjamin's adoptive mother is depicted as a very religious woman. That willbe discussed in slightly more detail under the "Gospel Handles" section. Other theological issues raised by the fim are purpose, and whether our days and what happens in them are chance or ordered with a purpose. There actually is more to this film than this oversimplified review makes it sound. Some of it preaches pretty well.

GOSPEL HANDLES

Adoption is a big theme in this film. As is unconditional love. Benjamin's adopted mother finds him on her doorstep. She is at first repulsed by his appearance, but she chooses to love him, despite this, and despite them being 2 different races. This is the strongest Gospel handle in the film.

CLERGY HANDLES

There is one clergy deptiction in the film of note. It is a revival preacher/faith healer. It is he who actually prompts Benjamin to leave his wheelchair and start walking. This says soemthing about both faith healing, and faith itself.