Saturday, November 29, 2008

Pandora's Box



Tonight I watched the classic German silent melodrama, Pandora's
Box (1928) for the very first time and it is an absolute must see for
connoisseurs of film! The plot is surprisingly complex for such an early
piece. Set in Berlin, it revolves around Lulu, a sexually vivacious, yet
innocent woman, who persuades her wealthy lover, Dr. Schön to
marry her. Later, in a fit of jealous rage, he pulls a gun during an
argument, a scuffle ensues, and she shoots him. Lulu escapes to
London with the doctor's son, Alwa, where she takes up residence but
meets with a tragic ending. Lulu is played by an American, the
beautiful and deliciously natural, Louise Brooks. This film is lusciously
restored and available as a part of The Criterion Collection. Click on
this clip to see just how wonderfully luminous it is. A real joy to watch.




The story has also been made into a popular opera, Lulu,
by the composer Alban Berg.

33 comments:

  1. The clip was a great tease! Thanks for the recommendation. Gorgeous !

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  2. Silents were textured in ways seldom seen today... little motions, hand movements, eyebrows and such. Brooks was modern and a glimmer of actresses yet to come.

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  3. this looks wonderful! it's on top of my blockbuster list -i'll probably get it in the mail next week! i'll let you know what I think :-)

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  4. Willow, this was a tease and now I must know what happens! I'll be looking for it soon.

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  5. Hello, willow. First of all, great to have you back after wha must have seemed a lot of work for Thanksgiving.

    Secondly, I was completely unaware of this film's existence. I love German expressionism from this period but this feature was off my radar for some reason. Will have to check if 'I Love Films' the new scheme my wife and I have signed up with has this little jewel in stock.

    Thirdly, isn't one of the pictures Tango Baby's profile photo :-)?

    Thanks for a marvellous post.

    Greetings from London.

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  6. Louise Brooks was such a beauty, the original IT girl.

    Mmmm, leftovers - I love cold roast vegetable the day after they've been cooked. I bet leftovers from Thanksgiving dinner are wonderful

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  7. The opera is fantastic, don't know about the film.

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  8. Willow, you find the nicest things.

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  9. Sounds like a perfect storyline for an opera. Loved watching the clip you posted.

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  10. You're right, it is luminous! Thanks for the share.

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  11. This was excellent! Now I want to see the rest of it!

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  12. Gosh, must add this to the list.
    The bobbed hair is tres chic too.

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  13. I have to agree with you...this movie has been beautifully remastered. I read your post last night, but before I stopped to comment I was off reading more about Louise Brooks. She certainly was a puzzle.

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  14. Fantastic. Some of these older productions are the best.

    CJ xx

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  15. Thanks for the heads up on this film. That collection is quite nice. i watched "Fur" last night, and to be frank, fast forwarded through a lot of it. As I found it tedious. I was also disappointed that it did not continue further into her life, up to her suicide. I guess I will have to read the bio which the movie did stimulate me to want to do.

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  16. this was wonderful - I'm going to order from netflix if I can - Louise Brooks?, gorgeous

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  17. Very fine and beautiful choice Willow!
    Wonderful Louise Brooks.
    Thank you.

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  18. Isn't Louise Brooks lovely! I have to see the film now - thank you for letting me know of it's existence.

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  19. Excellent choice, Willow!

    If you ever get the chance to see "Diary of a Lost Girl," go for it. Another viscerally-innocent performance by Louise Brooks.

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  20. Louise Brooks is a sizzling babe. You guys are so cool, choosing to watch this over the holiday weekend. Classy!

    Isn't it weird to think about how old that film is? Almost 100 years old. Wow.

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  21. Oh she is lovely! I need to keep a list every time I visit the Manor of all the wonderful things I have to see and listen to when I'm no longer folding Dora the Explorer underpants.

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  22. 'Lulu' was originally a play. Written by pioneering German modernist Frank Wedekind in two parts (so long was it) in the 1890s, it was attacked for immorality. A little surprisingly, it's not often staged nowadays, although some late 20th and 21st century productions have taken full advantage both of the play's potential for innovative staging and the readiness of audiences to go for the decadence in a big way!

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  23. Thank you for recommending..I love old movies like that.

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  24. A real treat. Thanks for that.

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  25. I went through a silent movie phase...years and years ago. This would be a fun film to watch to kick it off again.

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  26. It's just like muting the T.V. and turning on the subtitles. I find it works bettter that way, especially when you are baby sitting. Pappy

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  27. I haven't seen Pandora's Box but I like Louise Brooks so much! She was gorgeous and I think she could really be a fashion icon today if she was alive (and young, I know...)! :-)

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  28. I don't even know how to express how much I love this film. I have the Criteron Collection DVD and watching the entire film at once is mesmerizing. Get yourself a copy of Diary of a Lost Girl next and you'll continue your love affair with Louise Brooks.

    Funny thing is that the American directors never knew what to do with her, but Pabst certainly did. People admire Louise for her look but really know nothing about her. Also, the book Lulu Forever by Peter Cowie is full of gorgeous photos and a well written account of Brooks' unconventional life.

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  29. And no one has ever looked better in a short, shiny bob! I adore that picture of LB.

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  30. I know! I was very tempted to cut my hair in a little short bob with straight across bangs like hers after I saw this film. I still might.

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  32. Very Lovely!
    Now Im gonna have to see it <3

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  33. I so adore dear Louise!! What a delight to find her here ... . along with another old friend: Scarlet.
    I shall return to your wondrous blog..... Judith de Santa Fe

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Inject a few raisins of conversation into the tasteless dough of existence.
― O. Henry (and me)