REVIEW: Nine

NINE (2009, Rob Marshall)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aq-Yi_vPEzQ&feature=related


Rome, Italy 1965. Famed film director Guido Contini (Academy Award Winner Daniel Day Lewis) is looking for inspiration. His new film, ‘Italia’, is set to star his muse, Claudia Jenssen (Academy Award Winner Nicole Kidman), has an acclaimed production team and is set to shoot in a matter of days. The only problem is that Guido has no script, or story, of any kind. So by using his wit, charm and hiding behind his dark shades, Guido has so far managed to hide his secret. But time is running out for Guido to find his idea, before the most anticipated film of it’s time’s secret gets out. But that’s not the end of Guido’s problems, as he tries to resolve his marriage, sex life and privacy before it all comes crumbling down.

“Nine”, based on the acclaimed stage production, is the new musical extravaganza from Academy Award nominated director, Rob Marshall (Chicago, Memoirs of a Geisha). Sleek, sexy and sophisticated, “Nine” is bound to amaze you with it’s spectacular musical numbers, glamorous design and a cast to die for.

The film opens in a dark, film set at Cinecitta Studios. The set, as this stage, is in construction for Contini’s latest film. In this setting, the first of Guido’s fantasies (in which the musical numbers take place) begins with the various women own the stage. All of them turn in illuminating performances and their presence is unmistakable throughout the film, even when they’re not on screen. Of the performances, the two standouts are Academy Award Winner Marion Cotillard as the long suffering wife and Academy Award Winner Penelope Cruz as the love hungry mistress. Cotillard is breathtaking as Luisa, not only does she turn in a fantastic acting performance, but her musical numbers are some of the highlights of the film. Maury Yeston’s music for Nine is not necessarily memorable, but Cotillard’s performances are unforgettable. My Husband Makes Movies is the heart of the film and her vintage screen-test is simply incredible. Telling the whole story with her face and vivid emotions, Cotillard proves she is a skilled actress and it is definitely shown throughout the film. Her final song, Take It All (which was one of three new songs composed for the film), is an absolute stunner. You feel Luisa’s pain, anger and sorrow as her sexy and almost haunting song is scene stealing. She is just so fantastic that not many words can describe her. Cruz, in a similar role to her Oscar Winning performance in last year’s Vicky Cristina Barcelona, is cute, hilarious, but also deeply heartfelt. Her number, A Call from the Vatican is smoldering surprise filled with ropes, velvet and lingerie (need I say more?). She has some great moments and is an fun and enticing ride to watch. Of the other performances, Daniel Day Lewis does what is needed, but at times feels miscast. Academy Award Nominee Kate Hudson has a lot of fun in a small role, and really steals her scenes, especially in the show-stopping Cinema Italiano, my favourite number in the film. Academy Award Winners Sophia Loren and Judi Dench, legends in their own right, do what they do and are sassy and smart in their important roles. Nicole Kidman owns the role of the film muse, but feels quite cold at times. And finally, singer/songwriter Fergie, who brings the house in Be Italian, doesn’t have any much to do in the film other wise. Together, it’s an ensemble piece, but the cast is really upstaged by the two formerly mentioned performances of Cotillard and Cruz.

In all, "Nine" is what it promises. Candy for the eyes, heart racing songs and excellent performances. Bold and brilliant, Marshall’s “Nine” is simply dazzling.

A-


- Nine Trailer belongs to The Weinstein Company
- Academy Award and Oscar trademarks belong to the AMPAS