The Criterion Collection

Pandora’s Box

Pandora’s Box isn’t so much about a set of characters more than the results of these characters’ actions, actions which sometimes consist of just existing. Up until the 5th act or so of the film I really wasn’t sure where the film was going (the film is divided into 8 different ‘acts’ that are more or less chapters as settings and characters are introduced). There are vague references to the mythological Pandora’s Box in the movie, but nothing that really made me think ‘ah yes, there is a connection here.’ I didn’t see one, that is, until the last few acts of the film. The story revolves around Lulu, a woman who uses her charm and seduction to influence those in her life, but like the Pandora of myth, Lulu also brings misfortune to those she congregates with. Using her charm, she attempts to further a career by marrying a man who is infatuated with her, only to watch him die at her hands while he’s in a jealous rage. She escapes from her trial, only to resort to living in the slums of London with the help of the man’s son, who is also in love with her. What’s key about her character is not how she uses the men in her life, but how she depends on them. Her identity doesn’t lie with her ability to manipulate; her identity exists with the men in her life.

One thing I noticed was that even for a silent film, there was little written dialogue, which added to some of my confusion toward the beginning of the film. However, once I got the gist of what these characters were trying to accomplish, I found it to be quite an interesting piece on not just Lulu, but all the characters she ends up manipulating. My only real criticism would be how many of the scenes seemed to run quite long, not really contributing much to the advancement of the film except for putting more focus onto the set pieces. Still, with that being my only complaint, that should just tell you how much I enjoyed the movie. Definitely one you could watch again.

A- so says Doomsday