Which Fitzgerald short story was adapted into the 2008 film The Curious Case of Benjamin Button?

The Fitzgerald short story adapted into the 2008 film The Curious Case of Benjamin Button is “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.” Fitzgerald’s satirical story was first published in Collier’s magazine on May 27, 1922, and later appeared in his collection Tales of the Jazz Age.

The original story and the film share the unusual premise of a man who ages backward, but the adaptations differ greatly. Fitzgerald’s Benjamin is born in Baltimore in 1860 looking like a 70-year-old man and proceeds through life in reverse. The film relocates the birth to New Orleans, adds major characters and historical episodes, and follows Benjamin’s romance with Daisy.

The 2008 film was directed by David Fincher and written by Eric Roth and Robin Swicord. Brad Pitt played Benjamin, while Cate Blanchett portrayed Daisy. It received 13 Academy Award nominations and won three, including awards for makeup and visual effects.

A common mix-up is treating the film as a close retelling. It is better understood as a highly expanded cinematic adaptation of Fitzgerald’s central idea and title story.