Is Packed In A Trunk: The Lost Art of Edith Lake Wilkinson Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2015)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Debuting in 2015, Packed In A Trunk: The Lost Art of Edith Lake Wilkinson represents a sophisticated intersection of artistic ambition and genre-defining elements within the Documentary category. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into The story of artist Edith Lake Wilkinson, a painter who was committed to an asylum in 1924 and never heard from again. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Documentary are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "The story of artist Edith Lake Wilkinson, a painter who was committed to an asylum in 1924 and never heard from again. All her worldly possessions were packed into trunks and shipped to a relative in West Virginia where they sat in an attic for 40 years. Edith's great-niece, Emmy Award winning writer and director Jane Anderson, grew up surrounded by Edith's paintings, thanks to her mother who had gone poking through that dusty attic and rescued Edith's work. The film follows Jane in her decades-long journey to find the answers to the mystery of Edith's buried life, return the work to Provincetown and have Edith's contributions recognized by the larger art world."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. Audiences are treated to a masterclass in acting by Jane Anderson, whose portrayal of the protagonist is imbued with a depth and vulnerability that is rare in contemporary Documentary. The chemistry with the supporting players is palpable, creating a gravity that pulls the viewer into the screen.

The direction by Michelle Boyaner is marked by a bold and uncompromising hand. Technically, the film is a tour de force. The cinematography makes exceptional use of light and shadow, creating a visual language that mirrors the character's internal journey. The soundscape is equally impressive, with a score that is both haunting and celebratory, perfectly aligned with the thematic progression of the plot. The pacing, over its 77 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is Packed In A Trunk: The Lost Art of Edith Lake Wilkinson truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Documentary, then this is a mandatory viewing experience, a film that will haunt your thoughts long after you leave the theater.

The film's ability to transcend its genre labels is why it has earned its 7.6/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, Packed In A Trunk: The Lost Art of Edith Lake Wilkinson explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2015 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Michelle Boyaner respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, Packed In A Trunk: The Lost Art of Edith Lake Wilkinson is a rare gem that rewards the audience's attention with a profound and lasting impact. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Jane Anderson or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Packed In A Trunk: The Lost Art of Edith Lake Wilkinson is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.