On Christmas day the Paramount Pictures movie starring Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett opens. Called “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” it’s a story adapted from the 1920’s story by Scott Fitzgerald about a man who is born in his eighties and ages backward. Looks interesting.
There are a couple of motorcycles in the movie…at least from what I can view in the trailers. One is a Triumph Twin (Blue) and the other is a Flathead Indian (Red). Harley was unable to obtain a product placement in this episodic period film (starts at the end of WWI) which will clearly attract worldwide attention. Why? Very odd. The entire film is played in flashback manner and I’m thinking that Harley would like to be transported back in time to change the motorcycle props.
It’s been reported that Pitt’s “ol lady”, Angelina Jolie will give him a new motorcycle for his 45th birthday. According to entertainment news it’s a new Ducati (Monster 1100S)! The S model features 43mm titanium nitride-coated Ohlins forks. I wonder if she thought to buy the DDA (Ducati Data Analyzer) accessory? All top tier movie stars riding the busy streets of Hollywood need to record their riding data and analyze it while sipping refreshments on N. Rodeo Dr.
Photo’s courtesy of Paramount Pictures.
I’m guessing Benjamin Button didn’t hang around Starbucks.
Actually, it’s reasonable. At the time depicted in the film, Indian would have been more likely…they were the larger of the two companies at that time.
I don’t think Harley was snubbed, I agree with Markus’ assessment.
Back in the late 60s I rode Sportster but I’ve ridden Triumphs ever since and will always ride Triumphs. Some people just do that, you know.
Happy Holidays and safe travels. –B
Saw the movie last night…VERY good! Button was indeed riding a Triumph in the “50’s” portion of the movie. A gorgeous blue Tiger 110 of mid-fifties vintage. A bike capable of 110+ MPH. Also capable of doing sidecar work.
It looked SO cool plying the back streets of New Orleans, a place made for a machine like that.
While there was another bike in one quick scene (perhaps an Indian or a Harley) in the 20’s or 30’s, and a later scene in India showing him beside an Enfield in the 70’s, clearly the Trump stole the show hands down.
Maybe I’m prejudice because I’ve lived in New Orleans (and own two old Triumph Twins) The Triumph would look pretty cool parked at Cafe Du Monde. I can almost smell a coffee and a Camel! Never mind Starbucks
Thanks for the info! I saw the movie recently and was curious what motorcycles he was riding. They look really cool, think i have to get me one! 🙂
Makes sense to me. In the late 20’s the Indian 101 would have been the American sport bike to have. Guess a Twin Cam Harley would have done the job too though.
Besides, if the latest Indiana Jones movie is anything to go by Harley Davidson had would probably have supplied a 2009 model bike made to look like a 1920’s bike. Maybe a V-Rod with a Knuckle style transfer on the tank.
Ha! I was actually guessing the one he rode off when he embarks on his new journey after leaving Daisy behind with a Norton 500.
It sure does looked like the “La Poderosa” which Ernesto Guevara rode in The Motorcycle Diaries
Harley wasn’t snubbed. Good God man! What was the point of this article? Scratches head. Why didn’t you say BMW was snubbed? or any motorcycle company?
Well I guess coming from a Harley blogger who would have liked to have seen a Harley in the movie. I guess some movie producer just chose not to use a Harley for whatever reason they had.
I’m not old enough to have appreciated a Triumph Twin … but the Speed Triple has swept me off my feet.