Curious Case of Benjamin Button, The (2008): David Fincher’s Fable, Starring Brad Pitt

Though vastly different from “Slumdog Millionaire,” in its good moments, which are plentiful, “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,” achieves the same kind of magical realism, a style that fits its eccentric epic yet lyrical storytelling. “Benjamin Button” represents the same, welcome change of pace for its director-auteur David Fincher that “Slumdog Millionaire” did for Danny Boyle.

Seven (aka Se7en) (1995): Fincher’s Brilliant Serial Killer Thriller, Starring Morgan Freeman, Brad Pitt, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kevin Spacey

Dark, grim, claustrophobic, scary–and brilliant–the serial killer “Seven” is David Fincher’s second film, a promising follow-up to 1992 debut “Alien3.”