by Janet Sandford

Created on: March 16, 2009   Last Updated: March 17, 2009

This film, based on a short story written by F. Scott Fitgerald, is an epic of time. It tells the tale of a child born suffering the weaknesses of old age who lives his life backwards, growing younger with every year that passes. A long line of screenwriters have attempted to put this story to film, but Eric Roth takes the famous author's premise and creates a more elaborate, beautiful narrative than the short story could ever convey.

The film is set in New Orleans, a city known for its endless colour, gentle ways and exoticism. The time period is between the First World War and Hurricane Katrina.

Benjamin's (Brad Pitt) mother sadly dies whilst giving birth to him and his father (Jason Flemying) who makes buttons, is struck with horror when he sees how disfigured and withered the child's appearance is. Unable to cope with the image in front of him, he relinquishes the child on the steps of a rest home where the lovely Queenie (Taraji P. Henson), a loyal and loving black employee takes him in.

Among the old folks Queenie brings the child up and he is not out of place with the other patrons. Bent, half-deaf, losing his hair, sat in a wheelchair and covered in age spots, the doctor is convinced that Benjamin's time is drawing to an end, but how wrong he is. Suddenly there are signs of a youthful transformation. At this stage he looks like a man in his late sixties and is introduced to one of the resident's grandchildren; a girl called Daisy (Cate Blanchett) who is bright, enthusiastic and has a head of shocking red hair. Instantly, he falls in love. Benjamin pays the red headed beauty lots of attention and if she is flattered by the advances of this wisened, old man then she never lets on. Perhaps she senses that he is not as old as he looks.

As time passes Benjamin and Daisy hang on to this special bond. She is his rock - his only safe thread in a world that is changing and viewed in reverse.

Benjamin suddenly notices the transformation of his body. He grows younger and wants a taste of the thrills of the world outside. He takes on a job with an Irish sea captain (Jared Harris), who is a heavy drinker and you could say, a bit of a lad. He teaches Benjamin the ways of the world - the pleasures of the flesh and the world of intoxication. He travels to Russia, where he has an affair with the wife of a politician. From this relationship he learns about not only love, but lust.

While he lives out these new experiences he can't stop thinking of Daisy and his heart aches

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