Confusing storyline creates thought-provoking film
Film pick of the week: "The Box"
By Brian McCumsey
Issue date: 11/13/09 Section: Focus
Many thrillers are conventional and easy to understand, but "The Box" isn't. The twists and turns are captivating but not easily understood. This is a film that demands a second viewing.
When I saw the preview for Richard Kelly's ("Donnie Darko," "Southland Tales") newest film, I was instantly intrigued. The premise seemed simple enough: A box is delivered to the home of a couple who are struggling to keep up financially. A man explains that if they push the button in the box, they'll receive $1 million, but someone they don't know will die. What will they do?
Above, I said that the premise seemed simple, but this movie is far from simple. In fact, there's so much going on that many will instantly hate it. I went to the movie with a friend, and we both loved it, but the row of people behind me began mocking the film, loudly exclaiming their disdain for it. I rolled my eyes-were they watching the same film I was?
This film isn't easily digestible-many (including myself) won't know exactly what happened upon first viewing. In many ways, "The Box" reminded me of the wonderful film "Knowing."
Many people also hated "Knowing" and many will hate "The Box." It's a movie that begs to be discussed, to be chewed on, to be interpreted. Not much of the happenings in this movie are neatly explained or spoon-fed to the viewer-it asks you to answer the questions yourself.
It's best to go into this film with as little knowledge about it as possible. But if someone has unfortunately told you this movie was terrible and explained every detail about it to you, still go see it. If they hated it, they probably didn't take the time to think about it. But if you're a person who doesn't like to think through your film, who doesn't enjoy not knowing the answer, then you might want to look elsewhere.
Before I move on, I want to give credit to Cameron Diaz ("What Happens in Vegas," "My Sister's Keeper"), who plays Norma Lewis. She sometimes gets stereotyped as an actress who simply acts in fluff. Don't get me wrong, there's nothing wrong with fluff. If actors or actresses are best suited for work in light romantic comedies, I've no problem with them staying there for their entire career.
When I saw the preview for Richard Kelly's ("Donnie Darko," "Southland Tales") newest film, I was instantly intrigued. The premise seemed simple enough: A box is delivered to the home of a couple who are struggling to keep up financially. A man explains that if they push the button in the box, they'll receive $1 million, but someone they don't know will die. What will they do?
Above, I said that the premise seemed simple, but this movie is far from simple. In fact, there's so much going on that many will instantly hate it. I went to the movie with a friend, and we both loved it, but the row of people behind me began mocking the film, loudly exclaiming their disdain for it. I rolled my eyes-were they watching the same film I was?
This film isn't easily digestible-many (including myself) won't know exactly what happened upon first viewing. In many ways, "The Box" reminded me of the wonderful film "Knowing."
Many people also hated "Knowing" and many will hate "The Box." It's a movie that begs to be discussed, to be chewed on, to be interpreted. Not much of the happenings in this movie are neatly explained or spoon-fed to the viewer-it asks you to answer the questions yourself.
It's best to go into this film with as little knowledge about it as possible. But if someone has unfortunately told you this movie was terrible and explained every detail about it to you, still go see it. If they hated it, they probably didn't take the time to think about it. But if you're a person who doesn't like to think through your film, who doesn't enjoy not knowing the answer, then you might want to look elsewhere.
Before I move on, I want to give credit to Cameron Diaz ("What Happens in Vegas," "My Sister's Keeper"), who plays Norma Lewis. She sometimes gets stereotyped as an actress who simply acts in fluff. Don't get me wrong, there's nothing wrong with fluff. If actors or actresses are best suited for work in light romantic comedies, I've no problem with them staying there for their entire career.
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anonymous
posted 11/13/09 @ 10:21 PM EST
I learned about the box in one of my English classes many years ago. I was glad to hear it was made into a movie.
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