Review of Pandora's Box (2009) by Elijah B — 04 Jul 2007
An interesting film of the Weimar era of film. The various angles of the actors give a claustrophobic atmosphere, but the minute details are too subtle to notice, almost. In fact, the whole directing style is too subtle.
Comparing this to Bergman's work, you would have to say they convey the same undercurrents and themes, but Bergman (Ingmar) displays it like a tableau, while Pabst tries to mask the themes with various facades, for instance the central plot.
The subplots in this film are more interesting than the central, however. The central plot surrounds Lulu (played brilliantly by Louise Brooks) and her many lovers, including a lesbian countessa (cutting edge for the time poeriof, even in Germany).
The subplot is Lulu's history with the Countess and her other lovers, a trapeze acrobat, a producer of musical reviews and his father, an entrepreneur. Lulu is killed in the end by Jack the Ripper, one of her customers, as she has fled to Lndon after her husband killed himself out of jealousy and remorse for his previous betrothed.
My major disappointment came after watching the commentary, and discovering all the hidden features, such as Lulu's lesbian affair with the Countess, Schigolch exploiting Lulu like a pimp, and Pabst staging the film so that each character could be matched with an item of decor on the set.
I was enlightened that all of these are brought out blatantly, and the only facet of these previously mentioned that I could notice was of course, Lulu's unlikely lesbian affair. The film is very slowly paced, and for those of you who are not addicts of silent films, you may not be able to stand this.
I can appreciate it, howver, because I'm friends with her grandson, Lee (Two BEars) Brooks, and because of her wonderful acting ability. Other than that, I would only suggest this to someone who is in for a very vivid trip into another world; a world of exquisite cinematography, foreboding sets, and excellent acting.
I only dislike this film because I couldn't pinpoint the finer elements.
This review of Pandora's Box (2009) was written by Elijah B on 04 Jul 2007.
Pandora's Box has generally received very positive reviews.
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