The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Our lives are defined by opportunities...even the ones we miss."
-from the film 'The Curious Case of Benjamin Buttons'

On Christmas Day 2008 I saw 'The Curious Case of Benjamin Buttons' movie. I do believe it could become the winning 'Best Picture' of 2008. The special effects of reverting the aging process was remarkable to see. The last scene with actor, Brad Pitt, really made him seem 18 years old. The shadows, his form of dress and make-up was amazing. I recommend this one if you haven't seen it. There are some worthwhile lines as it makes you think about the aging process during this "what if" story.

The short story the film was based on was written by F. Scott Fitzgerald in 1921. One has to commend Fitzgerald's imagination. If you want to read all eleven chapters of the short story, it's right here:
http://xroads.virginia.edu/~HYPER/Fitzgerald/jazz/benjamin/benjamin1.htm

While viewing the movie I managed to write down these lines that caught my ear. After you read them I think you'll agree it's worthy of viewing. Those films that are narrated (To Kill A Mockingbird-style) often win me over.

"You never know what's coming for you."

"Some days I feel different than the day before."

"Death was a common visitor."

"He's an acquaintance of an acquaintance of mine."

"I'll tell you a secret if you tell me one."

"I never forgot her blue eyes."

"No one knows whether to stay or leave."

"There's a time for everything."

"There's nothing wrong with old age."

"We're meant to lose people we love. How else would we realize how important they are to us?"

"Write me a postcard from everywhere!"

"She was not beautiful. She was as plain as paper."

"We went back to our rooms to turn separate lives."

"I'm afraid it's the witching hour."

"When it comes to the end...you have to let go."

"Did I ever tell ya I was struck by lightening seven times? God keeps reminding me I was lucky to be alive."

"How come you didn't write or nothin'?"

"I suppose anything is possible."

Here's a clip from the movie, too:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=7L6K3fkwr-Y

Twenty-five years ago

January 6, 1984

What is with Suzy Miller these days? She is calling more frequently than usual. Oh well, it's fun. She is coming over tonight to watch DIVA, the French film on the VCR with me. I know she'll love it.

It was fun watching DIVA again. Suzy made quesadillas, too. I went out to buy some avocados and tried to add it as a topping. The avocados weren't perfectly ripe, so it was a challenge to say the least. It's too bad Suzy fell asleep half way through the movie. She missed out. I didn't want to interrupt her dreams, so I just went upstairs to my own bed as she slept on the sofa. I heard her come upstairs 'at God knows what time' and we exchanged 'good nights' pleasantly and deliciously. I fell asleep as she departed for her home.

While Suzy and I were eating our quesadillas I received a call from Bill Helbush. He was calling with a telephone company related question. I told him a friend was over and he made a snide remark about my 'so-called friend'.

Tammy also called me and wanted to go out because her friend, Sean, had stood her up. I pretended to be happy that she thought to call me. She understood that I didn't really feel like going out so 'last-minute'. I believe she knew that someone was with me so I felt like being honest.
"Suzy is here and we're about to watch DIVA," I told Tammy. I started to think quietly to myself about how Tammy didn't get me anything for Christmas. And then I started to mirror feeling that Juanita Lane must have had because I didn't get her anything for Christmas. It's just that I didn't find the perfect item for her YET. Maybe that is what happened with Tammy, too. Silly thoughts.