The only thing more stunning to us than learning The Curious Case of Benjamin Button screened last night for the first time, like, ever, was that Brad Pitt himself dropped by to have a look at the Bruin Theater. It wasn't much of a secret to the hundred or so paparazzi to 24/7 Pitt detail, but a security guard working the screening did not get that memo, accosting the star and his pap trail in the theater lobby. Would peace prevail, or would the War of Westwood be the first of many bitter obstacles to befall Button's path to Oscar? The pictures tell the story after the jump.

It seems to have gone like this: Pitt and his paparazzi train flooded the Bruin lobby 30 minutes before the film started, according to People Magazine. (At least one photo agency placed him there late, adding to the chaos.) Paramount's bouncer, assigned to stave off any and all disruptions spurred by the media hoard, fails to recognize Pitt with his hat and new mustache.

The cash registers back at X17Online explode as agency photographers get the whole scuffle on the record, but the momentary misunderstanding gives way to a peaceful resolution as Pitt flees to the theater and makes up with his bald aggressor.

The unnamed manhandler later offered the following explanation to Entertainment Tonight:

"We were told by Mr. Pitts' people that he was being followed by numerous paparazzi that ran a minimum of 20 red lights to keep up with Mr. Pitt. When Mr. Pitt arrived at the theater approximately 7 paparazzi bum rushed the front door of the theater and began to rush inside. It's security's sole priority to protect the talent and I removed Mr. Pitt immediately from what could have been a potentially dangerous situation."

Well! Sprained shoulders and wounded egos aside, let us be the first to say Job. Well. Done. Other than that, Mr. Pitt, how was the film? [Photos: X17Online]