The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Universal City: Universal Studios, 1990. Early First Draft script for the 2008 film, dated 1990, from screenwriter Robin Swicord.

Swicord, who received a joint Story credit with screenwriter Eric Roth in the film's final release, was first hired by Columbia Pictures to adapt Fitzgerald's short story as early as 1985, by 1989 the project moved to Universal Studios with producer Ray Stark holding the rights (who is credited on this draft). It wasn't until 2003, that credited screenwriter, Eric Roth, would be brought on to adapt Swicord's screenplay, with Gary Ross reported to direct . Paramount, who developed a joint co-production with Universal for the project in 1999, announced David Fincher as director in 2005. (Between 1990 and 2003 various directors, screenwriters, and actors were reported attached to the project including Frank Oz, Martin Short, Agnieszka Holland, Daniel Day-Lewis, Phil Alden Robinson, Steven Spielberg, Tom Cruise, Spike Jonze, Charlie Kaufman, and Ron Howard.)

Based on the 1922 short story by F. Scott Fizgerald.

David Fincher's melancholic and surprisingly heart-warming saga of the life of a man (Brad Pitt) who is born old and ages in reverse, and the woman who he was always destined to love, Daisy (Cate Blanchett). Featuring remarkable visual effects, deftly executed by Fincher.

Winner of three Academy Awards, nominated for ten others, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, and Best Supporting Actress.

Red untitled wrappers. Title page present, dated January 1990, noted as First Draft, with credits for screenwriter Robin Swicord and author F. Scott Fitzgerald. 140 leaves, with last page of text numbered 135. Xerographic duplication, rectos only. Pages Near Fine, wrapper Near Fine, bound internally with three gold brads.

Criterion Collection 476.

[Book #150407]