Pandora’s Box [Die Büchse der Pandora (NR, 1929)]
NETFLIX SYNOPSIS: A visually striking melodrama, G.W. Pabst’s silent classic stars Louise Brooks in a mesmerizing performance as Lulu, a woman whose uninhibited sexuality leads to her downfall. After her wealthy lover, Dr. Schon (Fritz Kortner), marries her, Lulu inadvertently shoots him during a struggle with a gun. She’s convicted of murder but escapes with Schon’s love-struck son (Francis Lederer). Soon, their circumstances spiral downward, with tragic results.
REVIEW: Released by the Criterion collection, this DVD has four, yes FOUR, score selections. That was the experience I was in for, and after watching it, I thought the movie more than merited the exquisite 2-DVD treatment from Criterion, the option of having four different soundtracks, and my investment of 2 1/2 hours.
I had never heard of Louise Brooks, but I was absolutely mesmerized by her footloose and fancy-free, devil-may-care attitude, her absolute command and recognition of her sexuality, but most of all, her face, perfectly framed by the stylish, fashionable bob of the day – that luminous, radiant, all-heads-turn-in-a-room face. It’s the kind of face that is so striking in its beauty it made Ebert say that Greta Garbo and Marlene Dietrich had nothing on Louise Brooks, and after seeing this film, I wholeheartedly agree. In fact, I could see Louise Brooks gracing fashion magazines today, she has such a modern look – like Isabella Rossellini. I couldn’t take my eyes off this hellion on wheels who just can’t seem to control her desire – sexual, psychological, material – she has to have it. And have it she will. The poor girl, I almost thought, she just can’t control herself. Or then again, is it the poor men (and the one Countess – yes, lesbian relationships in the 1920s!) who just can’t help but be absolutely consumed by her?
While the story may not be that unique, Louise Brooke’s performance absolutely elevates it to classic status and it entertains the entire length of the film. Jack the Ripper even shows up at the end – ah, well, Lulu never was a good judge of character, as we see from some of the company she keeps. And Pabst’s direction is masterful – the style of the film, while black and white, is visual perfection.
Final Rating: 5 stars. A must-see.
Audrey
