Review of Nine (2009) by Artistew A — 08 Jul 2010

Nine (2009).

Written by Michael Tolkin, Anthony Minghella.

Based on the musical.

Directed by Rob Marshall.

Starring: Daniel Day-Lewis (Guido Contini), a whole crap-load of actresses.

It's hard for me to admit this, but for the sake of honesty, I must tell you...I hate Nicole Kidman. I'm sure she's a lovely person, but I automatically dislike any movie she's in. She can't act, she can't even talk, and she most CERTAINLY can't sing. Pushing that aside as best I can, "Nine" was lovely. The plot and structure is a bit scattered for my taste, but one can't blame the film version for that. It was definitely fun, unique, and delivered with enthusiasm.

The story, in crude terms, is the telling of a mid-life crisis from both within and without. Guido relives and converses with certain critical memories that led him to his present, and the audience experiences the same from various female characters who shaped and were shaped by his life so far. There's really no resolution for Guido except for some important self-actualization and acceptance. It's a very truthful telling, and one of the only man-cheats-on-wife-because-he-feels-old stories after which I don't hate the lesser half even more.

Naturally, Daniel Day-Lewis is overqualified for the role and took my breath away; his piercing baby blues once again ruining all men to an unhealthy degree, with the added melt-factor of musical talent. Le Sigh. Shockingly, the best performance BY FAR is delivered by Fergie, who blew my damn socks off. Penelope Cruz and Marion Cotillard deliver solid performances, the non-musical aspects of their parts clearly stronger. Kate Hudson was fine.

Overall: Fun and surprisingly moving.

Rating: Night of the Living Dead.

Best Quote: "Directing a movie is a very overrated job, we all know it. You just have to say yes or no. What else do you do? Nothing. "Maestro, should this be red?" Yes. "Green?" No. "More extras?" Yes. "More lipstick?" No. Yes. No. Yes. No. That's directing." --Liliane La Fleur.