⁣The Curious Case of Benjamin Button is a 2008 American romantic fantasy drama film directed by David Fincher and adapted by Eric Roth and Robin Swicord from F. Scott Fitzgerald's 1922 short story. The film stars Brad Pitt as a man who ages in reverse and Cate Blanchett as his love interest throughout his life. The film also stars Taraji P. Henson, Julia Ormond, Jason Flemyng, Elias Koteas, and Tilda Swinton.
Producer Ray Stark bought the film rights to do the short story in the mid-1980s with Universal Pictures backing the film, but struggled to get the project off the ground until he sold the rights to producers Kathleen Kennedy and Frank Marshall in the 1990s. Although it was moved to Paramount Pictures in the 1990s, the film did not enter production until after Fincher and Pitt signed on along with the rest of the cast in 2005. Principal photography began in November 2006 and wrapped up in September 2007. Digital Domain worked on the visual effects of the film, particularly in the process of the metamorphosis of Pitt's character.
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button was released in the United States and Canada on December 25, 2008 to positive reviews, with major praise for Fincher's directing, Pitt's performance, production values, and visual effects. The film was a box office success, grossing $335.8 million worldwide against its $150-$167 million budget. The film received a leading 13 Academy Award nominations at the 81st Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director for Fincher, Best Actor for Pitt, and Best Supporting Actress for Taraji P. Henson, and won three, for Best Art Direction, Best Makeup, and Best Visual Effects.

⁣Cadillac Records is a 2008 American biographical drama film written and directed by Darnell Martin. The film explores the musical era from the early 1940s to the late 1960s, chronicling the life of the influential Chicago-based record- company executive Leonard Chess, and a few of the musicians who recorded for Chess Records.
The film stars Adrien Brody as Leonard Chess, Jeffrey Wright as Muddy Waters, Columbus Short as Little Walter, Cedric the Entertainer as Willie Dixon, Eamonn Walker as Howlin' Wolf, Mos Def as Chuck Berry, and Beyoncé Knowles as Etta James. The film was released in North America on December 5, 2008, by TriStar Pictures. The soundtrack was released on Music World/Columbia and Sony Music.

⁣American History X (1998) is a powerful American crime drama directed by Tony Kaye, marking his feature directorial debut. The film stars Edward Norton as Derek Vinyard and Edward Furlong as his younger brother, Danny Vinyard. The story revolves around the lives of two brothers from Los Angeles who become deeply involved in the white power skinhead and neo-Nazi movements.
The plot begins with Derek serving a three-year prison sentence for the voluntary manslaughter of two African American youths. During his time in prison, he undergoes a significant transformation, reevaluating his beliefs and the hate that led him to commit such violence. Upon his release, Derek is determined to prevent Danny, who idolizes him and is following in his footsteps, from being indoctrinated into the same racist ideology.
The film explores themes of racism, redemption, and the impact of family dynamics on personal beliefs. It addresses how hate is learned rather than inherent and emphasizes the importance of understanding and compassion in overcoming prejudice.
American History X received critical acclaim for its raw portrayal of racism and its consequences. Edward Norton's performance earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. The film's intense narrative and emotional depth have made it a significant entry in discussions about race relations in America.
Released on October 30, 1998, the film grossed approximately $23.9 million against a budget of $20 million. Despite initial controversies surrounding its release and edits made to the final cut, it has since gained recognition as a classic film that challenges viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about society.