The Box
Rating: 7/10
Cast: Cameron Diaz, James Marsden, Frank Langella
Director: Richard Kelly
Following on from Donnie Darko and the flop that was Southland Tales, Richard Kelly heads to Twilight Zone territory with this new film showing at the World Cinema Showcase nationwide.
Based on an episode of the show called "Button, Button" Diaz and Marsden star as a couple just getting by in 1970s Conneticut. One day the doorbell rings early in the morning and the pair find a box on their doorstep along with the message that Mr Steward will visit at 5pm.
When the time comes, Mr Steward (Langella) shows up on their door - and with the offer that if they press the button, they will get one million dollars. However, if they do take the offer, someone unconnected to them will die.
As if that wasn't bad enough, he gives them 24 hours to mull over what they'll do before the offer is rescinded.
So moral dilemmas abound as the situation begins to spiral out of control...
The Box is frustrating, infuriating and to be honest, brilliant in places. There's a Twin Peaks/ David Lynch style running throughout which gives the whole story an edge of insanity which sees it work.
Langella and Diaz are very good in their roles; Marsden is not
quite upto par - but it's Kelly who sees a return to form after the
critical drivel that was Southland Tales. Complete with trademark
water effects, nosebleeds and Arthur C Clarke, the whole film has a
haunting and eerie feel which will guarantee it cult hit
status.
