I'll have to watch again but I don't recall seeing Widmore's file in the safe when Locke removed the video. The safe appeared to be empty once he removed the videotape. Yet it seems when Ben goes over and reaches in -- there's a file.

Are my eyes deceiving me or is this a case of magic box or maybe even magic Ben?

Hmm, interesting. I'd have to take a second look, but I'll tell ya, I was thinking magic box too when he opened that safe. Actually when I first saw the video tape, I thought it was a small box of some kind and I was all like "Here we go..." Still, Ben has said that the magic box is a metaphor so I'm not putting too much stock in it.

I think the Box and The List are little tools that Ben uses..
I think they are non-existent.

I am beginning to think their is no list, perhaps he is and/or was
getting guidance by this Jacob fellow, but I still think this list thing
is pure BS.

Kinda like the Magic Box theory.. He convinced Locke that he (locke)
brought his father to the island. After Anthony Sewards story and evidence
of him being brought there, it seems to be apparent that the "island is the
box" and Ben controlled what was brought into the box/island though, which
convinced people that what has happening was cause they believed Ben.

I feel the man behind the curtain is being unraveled. Falling apart. However,
I think we have not seen the full ramifications of his master plan and I think
his character will see some changes. possible alliance with John Locke which
seems to be set into motion.

Part of the plan?!

That Ben is good!

I was wondering the same thing. Have to go back and see if we were shown the bottom of the safe when the VHS tape was retrieved.

LOL I'm pretty sure you're right on this because I remember noticing that at the time. I don't believe the files were in there when you first got a look at the safe, but I think this was actually a continuity error. It's also possible that the camera angle was a bit lower than we both thought and we just didn't see the file clearly enough to register it.

Just checked it. The file is in there, it's just turned so the paper is facing the camera so you can't see any of the red part of the file with the video sat on top of it.

Hmm, interesting. I'd have to take a second look, but I'll tell ya, I was thinking magic box too when he opened that safe. Actually when I first saw the video tape, I thought it was a small box of some kind and I was all like "Here we go..." Still, Ben has said that the magic box is a metaphor so I'm not putting too much stock in it.

I have a hard time trusting anything Ben says. Even if it makes sense. If it were midnight and he said it was dark outside, I'd want to look out the window to be sure.

Just checked it. The file is in there, it's just turned so the paper is facing the camera so you can't see any of the red part of the file with the video sat on top of it.

Thanks for checking. I know I need to look at it again myself.

Julliet is Ben's magic box...at least he wants her to be his magic box,lol.

Julliet is Ben's magic box...at least he wants her to be his magic box,lol.
What the heck was that?!
That should be the post of the year!

Julliet is Ben's magic box...at least he wants her to be his magic box,lol.

Really, it's fully understandable.

Now we know why Ben is Ben, because everyone else has magic box except for him. Magic box's are everywhere for everyone else on the island it seems, yet Ben has to manipulate his magic box to the island. Should we feel sorry that he had to manipulate Juliet to the island or is it just another day for him?

That folder did seem to just appear out of nowhere.....

I must admit that at first, I thought Ben was going to show Jacob his magic wardrobe. I hate seeing Locke duped once again . . . as if this file and tape were his last bargaining chip . . . right.

I don't think Cooper would fit there :)

PS. If you rewatch the scene where John takes the tape out, you see the file there also.

Here you can see something under the tape. It looks as though the spine of the folder is towards the wall.

http://bp2.blogger.com/_Hxnvg45zlCw/R9DkOtCKx3I/AAAAAAAAAWY/4shr-1pDdVs/s1600-h/pict+2008-03-06+10-37-5410.jpg

Ben has only one magic box, and that is a box of Black Magic. In the dead of night he dons his black outfit and swoops into the bedroom of his designated damsel, unbeknownst to her...leaving on her pillow a box of dark magical treats. This is obviously how he got Harper on his side, he tried the same with Juliet but apparently she is more of a Milk Tray kind of girl.

This is his secret and Ben told Locke this, which lead Locke to set Ben free.

I think this kind of theory holds its water in the current climate.