Over this past weekend I decided to revisit a film (Pandora's Box) that I had watched several years ago. Pandora's Box is a forgotten gem of the silent era and it's star (Louise Brooks) is a much overlooked star. Everyone remembers divas Marilyn Monroe, Grace Kelly, Liz Taylor and Jean Harlow but few remember Louise Brooks, and that's a real tragedy. Pandora's Box (1929) is Brooks most famous role, although she appeared in 24 films between (1925-38). It was in this film that she played the role of the femme fa tale "LULU" who reeks of eroticism. Brooks steals the film as her character destroys the lives of every male she comes across with the possible exception of Jack The Ripper. Wearing what would become her trademark hairstyle, "the bob", she uses her sexuality to draw you in & yet conveys a sense of innocence at the same time. She was a fine actress on top of being a sex symbol. Brooks was born in 1906 and passed away in 1985. Throughout her life she displayed other talents as a writer & an accomplished dancer. She even danced with the Ziegfeld Follies at one time. Pandora's Box was directed by German film maker G.W.Pabst and remains a highpoint of German cinema. If your a film buff and your willing to give silent films & BW films a try, start here. I do recommend you seek out the Criterion DVD as opposed to the VHS version. The VHS copy I watched had a pretty annoying musical accompaniment. Criterion is always the way to go as its the Mercedes of film restoration. If you can't find it...you can always borrow my VHS copy. Louise Brooks still looks pretty darn good.
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