Pandora's Box [DVD]

Having practically grown up with various incarnations of"Pandora's Box" (from grainy 16 mm prints to VHS copies), it was gratifying to finally see this classic in a newly restored print. Combined with a newly composed score (which in itself is a model of tasteful composition), the full impact of G.W. Pabst's telling of the Wedekind tale is astonishing. No wonder Louise Brooks became an icon for generations of filmgoers. The naturalness with which she conveys the complex character of Lulu runs the gamut of subtleties (which were never really visable in previous versions owing to the murk of bad prints) and one could scarcely wonder why she didn't achieve the same status in America. Clearly, the director and actor were exploring new territory here - one which American filmakers were simply not doing.

This version of Pandora's Box is the one to have and to view over and over again. It is filled with a richness that defies age.

Second Sight have worked wonders with this print, backing it with a good orchestral music track. The restoration of previously cut footage, however, is always a mixed blessing and it would have been nice to have a typically cut version available (using the tricks of DVD) just so we could judge for ourselves: cuts are usually made for good reasons and a sensitive editor can tighten the cinematic experience considerably - nobody cut a Pabst film without good reason.
To compensate, Second Sight have provided a marvellous little biopic lasting around an hour including an interview with Louise Brooks herself (among many sentimental reflections from friends etc., and a sprinkling of extracts). US viewers would recognise this as "Looking for Lulu" (available on DVD on the Image label).
What's lacking - this is why I could only rate it 4 - was a leaflet of any sort. A list of chapter points would have been nice - I don't like having to stop the film just to restart it via the scene selection menu; or flick about with the remote control when I could simply key in the scene I want from the list. Further, notes on Wiederkind's two Lulu plays (from which this film was drawn) would have been appreciated. They were censored in Germany and one wonders what sort of reception Pabst received. Also, we might have gained a better insight into the character of Lulu. The interpretive notes on the sleeve are questionable, portraying her as an evil seductress discarding one lover for the next when she's got what she wants. An equal interpretation is that of a woman unable to give what people demand of her; the seeds of her downfall sown in her very naivety, ultimately leading to her degradation and death. In short, she had no measure of the anguish she was causing.
As for the film, Pabst is recognised as one of the cinema's all-time greats so there is little to say. The timing, acting, subtlety of expression, camera angles all make for a superb atmosphere; the closing scenes are classic. Louise Brooks was probably the finest Lulu Pabst could have found.
Sometimes the slight cropping (to fit 4:3 TV) does make the image seem crammed but that's a small complaint. The contrast is softer than usual for a digital restoration making it very easy on the eye. A marvellous film, it equals Pabst's other works of which "Diary of a Lost Girl" (also Louise Brooks) and "The Love of Jeanne Ney" are available on VHS (and DVD from the US, both without region-coding).

In short, an excellent and overdue offering for fans of silent cinema but lacking historic and cultural notes that fans of this genre might have found useful.

This is a movie I've wanted to see for a long time. Yet was always put off when confronted with various edited versions previously available. One of which infamously lasted only 55 minutes! This is the full restored version brought together by Second Sight. And it certainly is worth the wait. Th central character of Lulu is played by Louise Brooks, in her most famous role, as a carefree promiscuous naive waif. She is adored by men, and in a groundbreaking role, by women. In this case played by the reclusive belgian actress Alice Roberts. Unwittingly she brings tragedy and destruction to all those round her, except the repulsive and enigmatic Schigolch, who may be her father or her pimp. Through it all Lulu tries to do only what is the best for everyone, but as in the original Greek myth of Pandora, it is the lust of men, and in this case one woman, for her which leads ultimately to their own destruction and demise. In the end it is Lulu's desire to do good for others which leads to her own demise at the hands of Jack the Ripper.
Directed by G W Pabst in Berlin just three years before Hitler came to power, the film in essence is a tale of the Weimar Republics "eat, drink and be merry, for tomorrow we die" attitude to life. Its roots in German realism are highlighted by the stark differences between Lulu's apartment in Berlin and her final garrett in a fog bound London at christmas. The incongruity of the obvious 50 year time shift is never jarringly obvious, but it is there.
Based on 2 plays by the controversial playwright Wedekind, its avowed aim to shock, and outrage its audience is easily achieved. Pabst giving free rein to all the shocking immorality, to middle class audiences, which lived right under their turned up noses and averted gazes.
The starring role is played by Brooks as a natural acting role. Startingling for its time, but so simple as to be the model for all acting from the movies resurrection from obscurity in the 1950's. It is only when you see some of the "mugging" by other actors that you realise how understated and simple Brooks performance is.
Although it is possible to see some of the joins, as it were, because of the previous edits, this is still the apex of silent film acting and direction. It was also the starting point for the end of Brooks career. She made only two more starring appearances in the movies, both European, after this. Before, like the central character, disappearing in a twilight world of alcoholism, self destruction and hedonism on a scale worthy of any modern day celebrity.
This is a movie, and a star, which deserves to be known to a wider audience. If you are not afraid of a silent movie, even if you ever only watch one in your life, make it this one.
As an added bonus there is the "Looking For Lulu" documentary, voiced by Shirley Maclaine and featuring Brooks herself, which is almost worth the price of admission on its own.
All in all a magnificent triumph.