The Box (2009)

About The Box

The Box is a 2009 American psychological thriller film directed by Richard Kelly. The film is based on the 1970 short story "Button, Button" by Richard Matheson, which was previously adapted into an episode of the 1980s iteration of The Twilight Zone. The movie's plot centers around a suburban couple, Norma and Arthur Lewis, who receive a box with a button. A mysterious man explains that pressing the button will earn them $1 million but will also cause the death of another person unknown to them.

Making / Production

Director Richard Kelly had a difficult time securing funding for the film due to its challenging subject matter. Eventually, the film was produced by Media Rights Capital and distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures. The film's unique plot based on an obscure short story was both its main selling point and a hurdle during production.

Actors

• Cameron Diaz as Norma Lewis: Diaz brings a web of emotions and depth to the character, portraying the moral and ethical dilemma faced by her character in a compelling manner.
• James Marsden as Arthur Lewis: Marsden delivers a strong performance showing both vulnerability and determination in the face of the strange predicament.
• Frank Langella as Arlington Steward: Langella's haunting portrayal of the mysterious Arlington Steward is both eerie and captivating, providing a compelling antagonist for the story.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• Though the film takes place in Virginia, it was actually shot in Massachusetts.
• The main characters' last name, Lewis, is a nod to the author of the original short story, Richard Matheson, who also wrote a novel titled "Hell House" with a character named Lionel Barrett.

Quotes

• "There are always consequences." - Arlington Steward
• "I won't let you ruin us." - Arthur Lewis

Music, Soundtrack

• Win Butler, Régine Chassagne, and Owen Pallett were responsible for the film's score, giving it a dramatic and haunting air.
• The movie's official soundtrack consists of 16 songs that perfectly accompany the film’s eerie and suspenseful tone.