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Nine review
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''Be Italian.''

''Be Italian...Live today as if it may... become... your last.''

Famous film director Guido Contini struggles to find harmony in his professional and personal lives, as he engages in dramatic relationships throughout his life.

Daniel Day-Lewis: Guido Contini

Nine(2009); A grand, illustrious, costume laden extravaganza musical telling the story of arrogant, self-centered movie director Guido Contini, given life by Daniel Day Lewis.
He finds himself struggling to find meaning, purpose, and a script for his latest film endeavor Italia. With only a week left before shooting begins, he desperately searches for answers and inspiration from his wife, his mistress, his muse, and his mother. As his chaotic profession steadily unravels his personal life, Guido must find a balance between creating art and succumbing to its obsessive demands.



It must be put forth, the writers of Nine: Michael Tolkin and the late Anthony Minghella were behind the elaborate screenplay. Arthur Kopit, Maury Yeston (Broadway musical Nine) and Mario Fratti(Broadway musical "Nine" Italian original). Without any of these writers or writers behind the musical the film project Nine surely would of remained only on paper and in the musical arena rather than retold upon the cinematic screen. A further heart felt praise must also go to Anthony Minghella whom sadly is no longer with us yet still manages to touch us with his creative works and screenplays which he subsequently left behind; A mighty bow and deep sign of respect goes out to Minghella; the man behind emotional piece The English Patient(1996).
Writer Anthony Minghella has been nominated twice for other adaptations: The English Patient for which he also won Best Director, and later for The Talented Mr. Ripley(1999).
Nine similarly oozes his stylistic talent for writing and flair for romance. We will miss you.

The cast, the costumes and the songs all are so extensive in Nine it would take a vast amount of time to fit all into an explanatory review. Although I will try my best to mention the relevant and allow you to witness the piece for yourself in all it's glory.
Obviously the story's protagonist comes in the guise of wonderful acting talent Daniel Day Lewis, portraying Italian Maestro director Guido Contini. Nine shows he hasn't lost his edge since Oscar turn out performance There Will Be Blood. His presence on screen and performing talents include a dabbling of dance and singing; conveying acting with entertaining hand in hand. Every scene you can guarantee he will have a cigarette in hand which reminds us this is a master at work doing what it takes to portray a deeply faceted man from the past.
The leading ladies behind the man all perform outstandingly; Kate Hudson (An American Journalist) and Fergie surprise with song renditions and sexual poise. Perhaps Penelope Cruz being the sexiest of all, as the mistreated mistress of Guido; for me having her busty, lucrative costumes. Rivaled by the scarily curvy Fergie whom plays a temptress from Guidos childhood.
Nicole Kidman positively radiant in grandeur tones while Judi Dench adds a royal imprint of suave class elevating the piece into heavenly realms.
Marion Cotiilard as the troubled wife; sparks emotion and flamboyance. She is the casualty of Guido loving his work more than her. He neglects to treat her in a special regard different from any of his future actresses he works with.
The icing and cream on the Italian based musical has to be the dazzling, sparking, romanticized Sophia Loren as Mamma. This Lady retains all her magical charisma; In essence she is a timeless depiction of Italy itself. The woman behind the man; the Goddess behind the spirit of a nation.
Only the second movie musical for Sophia Loren, the first being Man of La Mancha(1972), even though she is a capable singer, as can be heard on many novelty and soundtrack recordings.

The original Broadway musical opened May 9, 1982 at the 46th Street Theater and ran for 729 performances with Raul Julia as Guido. It won five Tony awards, including Best Musical and Best Featured Actress. The latest Broadway production, starring Antonio Banderas as Guido, opened on Apr 10, 2003 at the Eugene O'Neill Theatre and ran for 283 performances. It won two Tonys: Best Revival of a Musical and Best Featured Actress. Banderas unfortunately turned down the chance to reprise his role as Guido in the film version. Fortunately Daniel Day Lewis took up the part.

Overall, Nine is an under-rated whirl of art and life blurring together from Director Rob Marshal. Everything has a urge of energy and flair about it that makes for a great musical, as well as being a film.
The songs A Call From The Vatican, Be Italian, Guido's Song, Take It All were a few as well as being best favourites for me. Emotion, at times humour, and a certain truthfulness is conveyed by every lyric and word. Whether it be sexy Penelope, tempting Fergie, or the tear inducing pixie Marion...Nine is a beautiful swirling fanfare of pleasure and one man's descent into despair as his work takes over his personal affairs.
If you love musicals, costumes, elaborate set-pieces and quality top-notch acting then Nine should be witnessed by you immediately. Breath-taking.



9/10
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Added by Lexi
14 years ago on 30 December 2009 17:35

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