Review of Nine (2009) by Alexander F — 10 Jul 2010

Connor Macgregor Reviews...Nine.

I knew this would not be as entertaining as Chicago...but I hoped that this would be watchable enough...and because of one person,it was.

Famed Italian director Guido Contini is ten days away from the start of principal filming of his latest movie, ambitiously titled "Italia". The general speculation by anyone who has followed production, including the press, is that Guido has lost his creative vision and that this production will go the way of his last two films: be a flop. The first part of that statement is indeed true as Guido not only does not yet have a script, but he has no idea for the movie at all. Guido escapes to a seaside resort to convalesce and get away from all the pressures of this production, this convalescence only to moderate success as he thinks about the women who have shaped his life.

I think one person really stood out in this film. That was Daniel Day Lewis. What a character Guido Contini is and Daniel Day Lewis is maybe the right person that pulled it off. He is self centered and at times arrogant, but he is stressed and lost the love to make movies and is now searching for some sort of redemption to keep going. Guido must juggle many women in his life, His wife played by Marion Cortland who does ok but could have done miles better,she is still talented though. His mistress played by Pinelope Cruz who I don`t understand why she won an oscar when she didn`t do much, The Journalist played by Kate Hudson who does the role justice, The Actress played by Nicole Kidman who also does the role justice. There is also the fashion designer played by Judi Dench who shines in any role particulary this one, The Mother played by Sophia Loren who has a small but fairly reasonable part. Another role I want to mention is Fergue`s role playing Saraghina The Prostitute.

Rob Marshall once again goes for this format in which when a song begins, it cuts away to the act performing it in a fantasy stage or area in which only one or two characters know about, in this case Guido and all of his women singing and dancing certain songs. My favourite songs in Nine are Cinema Italino by Kate Hudson in which it is shot like an Italien Music Video. Another is Take It All sung by Marion who sings and performs the song fairly well. But the highlight for me was Be Italien by Fergie. I love the song and I love how Fergie sung it.

Overall Nine isn`t Chicago but it is good in its own right so do take a look.

Rating - 66% - B.