14 DAY TRIAL // “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” is, as it’s already common knowledge for many, a movie inspired by the short story with the same title by F. Scott Fitzgerald, but not based on it. However, a Roman office worker is now saying that the 13-time Academy Award nominated film is actually based on a tale she wrote 15 years ago – and she wants a court of law to see the film, read the story and compare, the Associated Press informs.
“Adriana Pichini, a Roman office worker, said the film seems to be based on a story she wrote 15 years ago called ‘Il ritorno di Arthur all'innocenza’ (‘Arthur’s Return to Innocence’). The story was officially registered with the proper Italian copyright authorities in 1994 and even sent to publishers in the U.S., but was never published.” The AP shares. Consequently, Pichini filed a suit with the Rome Tribunal Court, asking a judge to see the film and read the story to reckon whether her claims were accurate.
Should that be the case, the same source informs, then the judge will launch an investigation, on which results he will make a decision. However, so far, no specific date for the viewing of the film has yet been set, while, at the same time, what authority the Italian court would have in the case is still uncertain.
Also uncertain is the kind of compensation that Pichini is going for. While she was adamant that she was ripped off by the movie studio, she stated she had not yet considered the amount of money she would be asking as damage for copyright infringement – if at all. “At this point it’s still a matter of principle,” Pichini’s attorney told the media upon filing the court papers. “What happens next will depend on what the judge rules.” the attorney added.
“The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,” one of the strongest candidates at the Oscars this year, is the story of a man who ages backwards, or “youthens” as the critics have described the process. It opens in Italy on February 13.