Film: Nine
Cast includes: Daniel Day-Lewis (There Will Be Blood), Marion Cotillard (La vie en rose), Penélope Cruz (Vicky Cristina Barcelona), Sophia Loren (Prêt-à-Porter), Kate Hudson (Almost Famous), Judi Dench (Die Another Day), Nicole Kidman (Cold Mountain)
Director: Rob Marshall (Chicago)
Genre: Musical/Drama/Romance, based on a 1982 Broadway musical (2009)
In brief: “Film is a dream,” Guido Contini tells reporters. “There are many ways to kill a film, but sometimes it comes back to life.” Maestro Contini obviously has had his share of successes and… the other kind… the ones that flopped. In fact his two latest films were flops. His next film has to be his comeback. It’s called “Italia.” The press is dying to know what it’s about. So is his producer, for that matter. “I need a script. I need a budget.” When Lilli asks Guido if he’s in a panic, the answer is obvious… “Yes.”
The truth is, there is no script. The epic film is still just a dream, which we see in snippets as they appear to Guido. Italia is no more than illusive fragments, intertwined with the life of the maestro. Most of the fragments are musical, with beautiful women and flashy chorography. Through the fragments, we meet some of the women in Guido’s life… his wife… his muse… his mistress… his mother and others. No wonder Guido is tortured. He’s got a full plate… and how is he going to turn his dream fragments into a movie?
Nine opened to less than rave reviews. The problem with Nine is that it’s hard to care about the characters or the story. On the other hand, Nine is an impressive collection of performances and a very, very stylish production. Those who enjoy mid 20th century musicals will enjoy the theatricality of Nine. Those who are looking for a good story will be disappointed. It’s too bad because there are many delicious performances and yummy visuals.
2 popped kernels
Popped kernels for the performances, casting and production; unpopped kernels for the story
Popcorn Profile
Primary Audience: Grown-ups
Gender Appeal: Any audience
Distribution: Mainstream limited release
Mood: Neither upbeat nor somber
Tempo: Cruses comfortably
Visual Style: High-end production
Character Development: Not that kind of film
Language: Artful
Social Significance: Thought provoking
