The Ninth Gate
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Movie Reviews of The Ninth Gate
Movie Review: For the Depraved Quality Film Crowd!
Summary: 4 Stars
Unlike the modern film makers that rely on special effects and a surplus of sexual provocation to continue their income status, The Ninth Gate is a throw-back or old school visit back to the times when a film had good acting, a solid/interesting plot, and inventive filming techniques (a quality musical score, as well). Roman Polanski lives up to his reputation with this worthy celluloid adventure.
Johnny Depp, Lena Olin, Frank Langella and several other notable actors do an admirable job in playing out this tale that shares intrigue, subtle comedy, and sarcasm. The theme revolves around a ethically-challenged rare book expert, Johnny Depp, that ekes a living by swindling unsuspecting owners from their valuable collections. Eventually, he is retained by a collector to evaluate and establish that his prize piece, a book co-written by Lucifer, himself, is the one and only and that the other two existing books are fakes/copies. Well, let the intrigue begin there and I won't spoil it by providing details. I will say, however, that plot involves such characters as devil worshippers, eccentric debutantes, dubious and unscrupulous book afficianados; all with one thing in common: their desire to obtain these books and the secrets held within.
So all are aware, this film has a lot of aspects to it and is interesting because of that, but it is not a fast paced, blur through events. Polanski spends ample time developing the plot so the viewer understands the issues being researched (the devil is in the details, you know). You will follow along with Mr. Depp's character as he investigates the authenticity of these ancient works and the subversive attempts to corrupt his intentions. If you are as interested as I and you are analytical of nature, you will pick up on some of the interesting foreshadowing and premise for the story. There are some things left unexplained, (I cannot explain them myself until I read the book for which this is based) but that is what is so appealing of this work - some of the plot is obvious, some revolves around comedic purposes, and some remains opaque. Finally, the film is shot on location in Prague, Paris, Spain and several picturesque places.
In every aspect, this film is a worthy view. You will enjoy the quality of each component of a film with The Ninth Gate. There's much to enjoy, just be an appreciate mood while watching. Quality works don't grow on trees in these days...
Movie Review: Solid Occult Thriller
Summary: 4 Stars
The Ninth Gate really surprised me. Certainly, its no secret that Polanski is a talented director, but I never imagined anyone could make a half-way decent movie on the subject of satanism. Movies about the occult invariably degenerate into a scene where a bunch of weirdos sit around and chant gibberish. Then if it is really bad, a monster or something will actually appear, and its all down hill from there. If you dont believe me, check out Ghoulies.
What really impressed me about the Ninth Gate was something that many people did not care for: the slow pace of the story. Too many movies staring high profile actors are in such a rush to get to the ending, and the ending more often that not is maddeningly predictable. Also, Johnnie Depp's performance as a rare book dealer was quite solid. In spite of the phoney tufts of grey hair, he didn't really look like someone in his 40s. But something about his mannerisms and the cadence in his voice actually made him seem older. The other stand out performance was Frank Langellia, who was amazingly good as a wealthy satanist obsessed with collecting occult manuscripts. Emmanuelle Seigner (Polanski's wife) played the mystery girl, Depp's sidekick who occaisionally exhibited superhuman powers. I think the movie would have been better without this character - or at least without any characters having superhuman abilities. Seigner is a fine actress, but this is the sort of role that noone could pull off.
Incidentally, this movie is based on a novel called "The Dumas Club". Although Polanski definitely used this book as a starting point, he discarded many characters and scenes and then inserted his own. Even getting away from a strict comparison of character/scene inventories, the tone of the movie was much creepier and mysterious than the book. Almost all references to Dumas and literature were stripped away, while occult elements of the storyline were emphasized. Also, the movie leaves several key questions unanswered, forcing the audience fill in the blanks. For instance, who (in the movie) was responsible for attempting to destroy copies of the Ninth Gate? Or just as importantly, what motivated them to do this in the first place? Unlike many contemporary directors, Polanski appreciates the importance of creating a little mystery for his audience.
Movie Review: Entertaining Overall
Summary: 4 Stars
Believable? No. A little ridiculous? Yes. Entertaining? Very!
First of all, we're talking about a basic premise in which we, the audience, are asked to beleive that the devil himself signed drawings in a series of "ancient manuscripts". And that these 400 year-old manuscripts are in pristine condition, looking like they've never even been opened (or photocopied or had cigarette ash dropped on them by former owners, etc). A suspension of disbelief is absolutely necessary!
There's the 'guardian angel' or 'guardian devil' should we say, in the mysterious 'woman' who keeps appearing to help him out of various difficulties and who finally leads him to reach 'the ninth gate'.
I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. The pacing was steady and suspenseful. The filming was obviously the work of a master. I loved that we got to 'go to Europe' for the second half of the movie. The ending was the only problem for me. I hear people debating both ways - cop-out or stroke of genius? I'm bound to think the former is more accurate. However, if we are to beleive that the sudden fade to white is a sudden bringing of the audience into the consciousness of Johny Depp as he enters the ninth gate... well.. It still seems to me like he just couldn't think of any better way to end it. After all, the movie's been promising to 'raise the devil' for almost two hours and finally we are left with this? I was a bit let down, whether I should or shouldn't have been. Still, maybe that was the best way to end it. On the other hand, Johny could have walked into that building in the last scene and saw George Bush standing there and that would have been a perfect ending!
Movie Review: 9th GATE Polanski
Summary: 4 Stars
Not quite as successful as Rosemary's Baby, but sort of the same subject matter. Polanski wasn't exactly satisfied with Depp's performance, but nonetheless the film seemed to work despite this. Released in 1999, before THE PIANIST, which was generally also a better film.Movie Review: Good
Summary: 4 Stars
If you like a mystery with supernatural overtones then you will like this.I liked the sound track too,in helping with the overall feel of intrigue.The ending could have been a little more in depth.I felt I wanted more information.Acting good.