THE BOX: REVIEW
'The
Box' is based on a story by hallowed writer Richard Matheson and was also filmed
in 1985 as a 'Twilight Zone' episode, now expanded, it becomes an interesting
and complex drama that was not what I expected at all.
Known
for his unusual films, director Richard Kelley ('Donnie Darko', 'Southland Tales')
takes what becomes an extraordinary social experiment into a complex character
study. A young couple have a box dropped off at the front door of their home in
suburban Virginia, circa 1976. A note inside states that if they press the big
red button which sits on top of the box, the pair will receive one million dollars.
However, at that same, one person in the world you do not know will die.
This
is a concept that causes tension and stress in the already troubled relationship
and will also involve their adolescent son. They are visited on the same day by
a mysterious man, horribly scarred after once being struck by lightning. He reasserts
the ultimatum in person, thus giving it much more of an eerie edge due to his
appearance.
The reasons behind why this couple were randomly
picked to become simultaneously rich and cause another human's death is part of
the slow build up of the film. Throughout the course of the story, NASA and other
government agencies become involved in what may or may not become an international
incident. Be warned as the story takes an abrupt turn in structure around the
half way mark into uncharted territory, suddenly turning the events into an incredibly
suspenseful finale that makes your mind continue to process what just happened.
Straight
from another strong performance in the recent, 'My Sisters Keeper', Cameron Diaz
shows dramatic spark in her second serious role in as many films. James Marsden
('Sugar & Spice') also shows flair in panic mode as her husband teetering
on insanity with events going on around his family. Natural instincs take over
in the form of survival.
The effectiveness of Frank Langella
as the quietly disturbing messenger with half his face missing is fundamental
to everything. Some viewers may suggest his brilliance borderlines on the absurd.
However, as the former Count Dracula and Richard Nixon, among many other notable
characters, Langella possesses a sheer presence, that as usual, commands every
second of screen time.
'The Box' is a must for fans of the
conspiracy thriller. The resolution is cryptic - you may even need to see the
film twice to enhance the open resolution. Those who know the previous work of
director Richard Kelley will know the obscure use of water features play a prominent
part. This is all I will say - just see this film before anyone spoils it for
you.
Shane A. Bassett
