Review of Nine (2009) by Luke G — 26 Jul 2011

Rob Marshall goes back to his roots that made him popular and delivers another musical in a very stylish and creative way. But if only the musical he chose to adapt was better.

Nine is a musical inspired by brilliant director, Federico Fellini's masterpiece, 8 1/2. In Nine (and and technically 8 1/2 too) infamous Italian movie director, Guido Contini, is preparing to get back on top after making a few flops by writing and directing his new "masterpiece", "Italia". Guido struggles with writing the script which is inspired by his personal life and views. But as Guido dives into making his own world, his real world falls apart. It's hard to not like a story like 8 1/2, especially if it's a musical. But Nine's flash and seduction draws away from character and good pacing. Nine is a story of the world seen through Guido's eyes. We see what he sees and feel what he feels. So that would explain why there isn't a lot of time for further character development, and in a way it works. But Nine is a rushed story, not an original conciept, and portrays women more like sex objects than understandable characters to interperate. And on top of that, this movie would have been a lot better if at least the soudtrack was memorable in the slightest way. The best song out of the whole soundtrack is "Be Italian", which is surprising because it is done by Fergie, playing a minor role. But alas, though the more likeable cast members sing and perform very well, their song numbers are not the songs you'll be huming too afterwards.

I wouldn't put all the blame on the look of the movie though. It is inspired by a pre-existing broadway musical WHICH couldn't have been made any better without Rob Marshall's stylistic approach. Like the work he did in Chicago, Marshall splits narriatives from the real world to Guido's own psyche which is full of music, colourful lights, smoke and mirrors, a broadway stage approach, and, of course, all the woman wear scantily clad cloths. The cinematography is perfect. I can't argue that. The lighting and camera angles are amazing, in both narative approaches. But where as in Chicago where the split of reality and stage show made sence in a way, it doesn't make sence in this movie. Nine is about a filmmaker, yet there are a lot of musical numbers from the characters on a stage. It doesn't really work the same way. But at least it is all done in the most stylish way possible. But that comes to problem No. 2, Nine is about 20 minutes shorter than Fellini's 8 1/2, and most of the movie is music scores. Marshall tries so hard to get to the heart of the characters, but it's just not enough. The result is something that looks rushed. But at least the filming locations all look amazing.

Nine is a fun and sexy movie with a sexy cast. If you love musicals, it's worth a look. Just don't expect to be in love with this movie's soundtrack. Expect to see very sexy actresses say "Guido" a lot. But if you want a REAL stimuating movie with even more style and meaning, Fellini's 8 1/2 is a MUST SEE.