Review #241: The Box (2009) Donnie Darker. Richard Kelly, this generations Terrence Malick/David Lynch hybrid, returns with his third directorial effort, reminiscent of old Twilight Zone episodes (Indeed, Richard Mathesons short story was in fact adapted as an episode of the 80s series). The Box pits Cameron Diaz and James Marsden against their own terrible decision courtesy of Frank Langella, posing questions of morality, philosophy, and religion along the way. Diaz, while doing her best, seems terribly miscast as an intellectual, disfigured woman plagued by torment, while Marsden works quite well as her husband, being somewhat more convincing than Diaz. Langella is indeed a mysterious presence, but is characterised as a bland, (fittingly) lifeless baddie. The films saving grace is found in Kelly himself. His direction effectively conveying elements of mystery and unease, outdoing his starry cast. The Box has many messages, and hints at many questions, but isnt brave enough to fully address them, resorting to basic thriller tactics to compensate. VERDICT: 3/5
Posted on: Sat, 12 Apr 2014 18:41:47 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015