Pandora's Box | 1929 | Movie Review | Masters of Cinema # 280 | GW Pabst | Silent Cinema

[@mackjay1777]

Rally great to see appreciation of this incredible film! People who avoid silent cinema have no idea what an experience it can be, and this film is a prime example. As you say, unexpected plot turns, and the characters and actors, esp Brooks. Thanks for this one!!!

[@gregevigan]

Love this film. I was lucky enough to see it on the big screen with live score

[@brettcoster4781]

One of my absolute favourites of all times. Louise Brooks was so stunningly modern in her portrayal, with none of the histrionics of contemporary actors. You can see it in her eyes. My copy arrived Thursday and I've already watched the whole lot. And I'm not going to get rid of my original Umbrella/Eureka! DVD' There's no such thing as too much Louise Brooks. I think you've only got half of the story, though. Yes she's manipulative but she is equally if not more manipulated by the men who surround her, and has been her entire life on screen and in real life. And the only time she acts out of character is when she ruins her paramour's engagement (you can see the smirk on her face very, very briefly). Anyway, thanks for finally joining the Louise Brooks fan club; there are so many members who gladly accept newbies, the more the merrier. Cheers!

[@WaverBoy]

I got to see this restoration on the big screen a couple months ago-been a fan of it since I first saw it on the Criterion DVD circa 2009-2010. Amazing film.

[@manvfilm]

Never seen a silent in the cinema, would love to experience that

[@WaverBoy]

@@manvfilm well get on it, Man!

[@brewstergallery]

Nice choice Graham, you should also see the opposite of this " Diary of a Lost Girl ", also by Pabst, in which Louise is the victim of society and her own family. She even ends up in a girls reformatory which ironically provides a possible way out of "hell". Louise Brooks is so amazingly modern/ contemporary in her portrayals as well as a stunning beauty.

[@manvfilm]

I have that one on my shelf.

[@brettcoster4781]

​@@manvfilm And it's time to watch it! Pandora's Box is definitely Louise Brooks' best film, but there's not too big a gap to Diary of a Lost Girl. And another great Brooks film is Beggars of Life, her last US-based film before she did Pandora.

[@richardking3206]

My copy has yet to arrive, but I can’t wait. I’ve had a dvd for quite a few years with a less than wonderful transfer that, when I got it, I didn’t imagine would be bettered. Since blu ray arrived I’ve been patiently waiting for this update. This will probably be my release of the year (maybe Freaks, too). It’s probably the best Silent film I’ve seen. Once my copy arrives and I’ve watched it I may come back to comment further. Thanks for whetting my whistle, Graham!

[@manvfilm]

When you see the work that went into the restoration you won’t believe it.

[@ajabrams]

One of my absolute favorite films. Louise Brooks is brilliant in this masterpiece!

[@manvfilm]

She was absolutely wonderful. Just little looks and facial expressions that conveyed so much.