I loved this Fitzgerald story when I read it about 15 years ago, and though there's certainly some visual gimmickry involved, it's nice to see Fincher doing something that looks like more of a human story. High concept-wise it sounds similar to Forrest Gump, minus the Boomer-pandering soundtrack, subversive conservative moralizing and eye-rolling "moments in history" gags. I don't think it's a stretch to say that come this time next year, we could be looking at a serious Oscar run for Pitt, and perhaps Fincher's first acknowledgement from the Academy.

Fincher interviewed Jake Gyllenhaal for Interview magazine when Rendition came out and he (Fincher) certainly wasn't shy about raising expectations. He said that he felt Benjamin Button was the best work of his career.

Fincher is in my eyes the best director to receive almost no credit when it comes to awards. Maybe this will change that (unless Zodiac pulls an upset of some sort).

Fincher will get his due down the line

After washing off the stink of Panic Room with the outstanding Zodiac, Fincher has my money for Benjamin Button.

So Fincher gets passed over for Zodiac this year despite being regarded by many as one of the years best, and releases a more emotional film next year? If Button works it will be very strong come Oscar time

Get ready for three solid years of pumping up Benjamin Button.

If you haven't read "Benjamin Button" - here it is:

http://ebooks.adelaide.edu.au/f/fitzgerald/f_scott/jazz/chapter7.html

This sounds to me like Fincher's Burton film, which is much more intriguing than that Scott/Cameron film he did that I really hated.

Do my eyes deceive me or was that an ad promoting Amy Ryan for best supporting actress at the top of the page?!? I would have thought Wells would have told those PR people to keep there white trash promoting blood money.

I already regarded this film as the one absolute must-see of 2008 before reading these enthusiastic comments, and now my fervor has reached even loftier heights. The only other film that even comes close for me, and only because Richard Yates' novel is an underappreciated American masterpiece, is Sam Mendes' "Reservation Road".

I can't think of a movie I'm more excited to see next year. I could see this winning Best Picture. I don't understand the Scott/Cameron reference...what are you talking about? Fincher's never made anything like a James Cameron movie...Tony Scott? Ridley Scott? Don't get it...but I certainly expect Benjamin Button to be much, much better than anything Tim Burton has ever made. Fincher and Burton shouldn't be mentoned in the same sentence.

this film has a lot of fingerprints on it - Spielberg considered doing it - and before Fincher got it - Burton had it - gave it up to do Sweeney Todd - personally - I am thrilled Fincher did it - and can't wait to see it - but based on Blanchett's comments about it - seems like it is a sad sad story -

Breedlove, I was talking about Alien3, a film I really hated. In fact, it took me along time to give Fincher's other work a chance because of it. I happen to like Burton (esp. Pee Wee to Ed Wood) but I am very happy Fincher is doing this rather than Spielberg or Burton. I don't think either of their takes on this story would surprise me but I'm hoping Fincher's will.

I remember when Spike Jonze and Travolta were going to do it...And I actually like Alien 3. Not near the level of the first two, but a very watchable movie...

You should give "The Game" another go...Douglas does really fine work in it, and Penn is a hoot, all loose cannon and running around, and Deborah Kara Unger is sexy as hell.

Alien 3 - pass, he was learning. But since then it's pretty impressive...

Seven - actually quite underrated, one of 1997's best films.

The Game - quality thriller all the way, and has really held up well.

Fight Club - was underrated at the time at least in terms of critics awards, but has ended up having a huge cultural impact that sort of gave Fincher the last laugh IMO.

Panic Room - for a popcorn movie it's impressive.

Zodiac - also underrated, but I think respect for this will grow over time (it may take a few years).

While I'd like to see Fincher make a few more movies in the next decade than the last, his resume is damn impressive and remarkably consistent. There's not a single throw-away film in the bunch.

Yes, I know Seven was released before 1997 - no need to correct me.