Rob Marshall's Travelling Circus of Godesses
Posted by The Citizen Review | Posted in Matthew Meriwether , Nine | Posted on 11:01 PM
Nine (2009) Grade: B+
Jack says: BEveryone film critic and film lover watches Nine with contrasting eye to 2003's Chicago, you did it at least once. I will start off by saying that this doesn't exactly match Chicago's luster, magic and pure sizzle. The view didn't seem quite as focused. I will also say that it's not a bad film in any way, but it's definitely got some things that need patching up.
The musical numbers are excellently choreographed. They are energetic, and jaw-dropping at times. The only problem I had with the sequences is that they were better than the parts of the film in 'real life'. There's not enough story to back up the film's constant break into song. It's like the audience isn't exactly sure why they are siging the songs at all times. We do of course, because it's a musical but we shouldn't have to wonder, they should be natural.
The other issue is the casting: we have basically the most beautiful women in Hollwood not only acting well but singing and dancing just as well. The are all at the top of thier game and when watching them on stage, one can tell that they are in total control of their abilities. When I first saw the trailer, I instantly thought that most of the actresses would get doused with awards, but when I saw the film I realized it would be nearly impossible for any of them to nab a nomination, because they hardly get a chance to act amongst the competition. On the other hand, it's simply grand to see each and every actress up on the screen at once. It's the curse and the miracle of this film.
Overall, Nine is a good time to see in a theater. The songs are catchy, all the actors are stunning, the choreography is breathless and the sequences where Guido Contini (the main protagonist of the film) is talking to one of his many lovers, one can definitely see Marshall's signature flair. Guido Contini definitely had his inspirations: his mother, his wife, the whore of his childhood town, his floundering mistress, his rock and a drunken fling. But with this film going in no precise direction, couldn't it find just one inspiration?
Matthew says: A-
Nine is a film that has many inspirations, all which are very different. There is the film, the musical and now the movie-musical, creating again a very different take on the original premise.
Rob Marshall directed the previous musical "Chicago" and this film has established a true artist, one with a signature style that is all his own.
The musical sequences are bursting at the seams with energy and urgency. And the non-musical sequences are mysterious and dreamy. This film boasts, and rightly so, a full, star-studded cast. Rob Marshall tends to pick actors who are not known for singing and dancing but show audiences just how multitalented these men and women are.
The style of this film is so good to look at, like the actors, costumes and the very beautiful Italy. It has a variety of styles. Black and white, gorgeous color, steady camera, hand held. It's a celebration of films and movie-making. It has many great and memorable scenes. Like the final scene where each woman in his life that has inspired him in some way comes out from the top balcony from the studio set and give him a long judgmental stare. The kid from his past sits on his lap. He rises, the lights lower and he calls out action.
