MOVIE REVIEW ... NINE

MOVIE REVIEW ...

NINE

When a movie adaptation of a hit musical is made, the director is often given the chance in picking its choice moments.  Based on Federico Fellini's film '8 and a half', Nine's Broadway success would indicate a dearth of memorable sequences.  Unfortunately this fails to transpire with Rob Marshall's usually steady direction coming unstuck by its insipidly hollow story.

Italian movie director Guido Contini (Daniel Day-Lewis) is in the throes of his latest production. On the comeback trail after a series of flops, his current work promises a return to form.  Sadly his mind is elsewhere as his romantic tribulations stymie his creative energy. With his wife Luisa (Marion Cotillard) and mistress Carla (Penelope Cruz) vying for attention, his thoughts also turn to his mother (Sophia Loren).  Depressed by his selfish actions, his acceptance of his callous nature becomes the key in unwinding the personal wreckage of his life.

 
With a cast also including Judi Dench, Nicole Kidman and Kate Hudson, the recipe for a tantalising tale is certainly there.  Especially true given that Lewis' role is an interesting one as a man unable to move forward.  The loss of his artistic imagination almost makes him less of a person in his thinking, a fact he appears to blame women for.  With such an unapproachable character it's a wonder why women have fallen for him, a fact which Nine fails to fully make clear.  Sadly this is its biggest problem, as the vague caricatures on display turn a feisty musical into a feeble plod.

 
This isn't any fault of the musical numbers, as all of them are terrific.  Brilliantly costumed and dazzlingly performed, Nine kicks up a notch whenever these surface.  Unfortunately its the moments in between which sink its hard work, as its tonal focus becomes clouded.  At once playing events for laughs and then switching to pure drama, the story does a good job in ensuring you never invest in the characters.  As a consequence it's difficult to fully engage in the overall piece despite some very good acting.  Disappointing given the personnel involved, although the cinematography brings a lushness to the wonderful Italian locations.

After a near thirty year wait for it to arrive on screen, Nine can only be described as a damp squib.  It looks and sounds great, but the emotional connection needed is missing with the film seemingly only interested in presenting a shallow display of vaudevillian theatrics.

 
Movie Review Rating 4 / 10

Movie Review by Patrick Moore

NINE released in Australia on Thursday 21st January 2010.

If you have any comments to make about this Movie Review, then please use the comment box, titling your comments with Movie Review NINE

Patrick Moore's Movie Review is an alternative look at current movie releases in Australia.

Official HomePage click HERE