Review of Pandora's Box (2008) by Justine S — 18 May 2007

I still need to get my hands on that new Criterion... the only copy I've seen of this spectacular film is a very worn looking copy on VHS. Pandora's Box is a film that once again reminds me of mythology, but also that humans are so close to animals.

Pandora cannot help that men fall for her uncrontrollably, and eventually lead themselves to their own doom. She is like a black widow spider, doing what comes naturally, trapping men and then disposing of their heads.

The film itself is rather conservative stylisitcally for a silent, but allows for Louise Brooks to dominate with her vivacious and sensual presence. The film is entrancing, and it's slow progression as Lulu finds herself deeper and deeper in the pits of despair and society is so human.

We almost find pleasure in watching her life self destruct, and the irony of the end is so bittersweet and tragic...