Review of Pandora's Box (2009) by Bach P — 03 Jul 2008
One of the lesser known gems of silent film, "Pandora's Box" is a striking film that does not feel at all dated. It looks and feels modern, but maintains the silent film quality as well, making it seem stunning ahead of its time.
It's plot feels familiar, a beautiful woman named Lulu seeks to have things go her way, at the cost of many men's lives. Silent era star Louise Brooks takes Lulu and pushes her over the edge, creating one of the most complex characters in the silent era.
The film itself is a marvel to watch, despite its roots in the silent era, the camera moves and breathes like today. Scenes never feel trapped in a box, the screen is always moving, always cutting and keeping the pace.
There are some striking scenes and beautiful framing as well, and none of it is feels out of place, every scene counts towards the next, not a moment is wasted. The sexual charge of the film is also striking, it is a different spin on what we normally see in the silent era, but it is done to perfection.
The only gripe I found while watching was the score, which more often than not did not fit the atmosphere of the film with its bouncy uplifting orchestra. In the end however, it manages to work, but it is still a little disappointing considering the quality of everything else.
Overall, "Pandora's Box" is an amazing achievement and an extraordinary film that completely changes what our expectations of what silent film was capable of.
This review of Pandora's Box (2009) was written by Bach P on 03 Jul 2008.
Pandora's Box has generally received very positive reviews.
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