Review of Nine (2009) by Gregory G — 08 Jun 2012

Shallow, literal-minded musical adaptation of Fellini's masterpiece "8 1/2." Daniel Day-Lewis, in one of his rare uninspired performances, lacking the suave vacuity that Marcello Mastroianni had in the role, is Guido, an Italian film director suffering from creative block in the midst of his new project, while he struggles with balancing the women in his life.

Directed by Rob Marshall, the musical numbers are presented as show-stoppers but the editing is too fast and showy and the songs are forgettable. This superfluous version lacks the self-reflexivity and stark black-and-white imagery of the original, not to mention Nino Rota's beautiful score.

There is a brief, strikingly sexual performance by Fergie as the prostitute Saraghina. Written by Michael Tolkin and Anthony Minghella. With Marion Cotillard, who has a startlingly sly striptease number and gives the most vivid performance, as Guido's wife Luisa; Penelope Cruz as his mistress; Kate Hudson as a journalist; Nicole Kidman as his muse; Judi Dench as his costume designer; and Sophia Loren as his mother.

Songs include: "Guido's Song," "Be Italian," "Cinema Italiano," Unusual Way," "Take It All," "I Can't Make This Movie." Based on the Tony Award-winning musical with music and lyrics by Maury Yeston.