English (A) Cast: Daniel Day-Lewis, Marion Cotillard, Nicole Kidman, Penelope Cruz, Judi Dench, Kate Hudson, Sophia Loren Director: Rob Marshall
“Nine” is based on Fellini’s hero in “8 1/2” about a respected Italian film director Guido Contini (Daniel Day-Lewis) who is all set to make his ninth film. But this flamboyant filmmaker’s life is more interesting to many. Even as his cast and crew await a script at the famed Cinecitta Studios in Rome, Guido is haunted by the “ghosts” of several women whom he just simply can’t forget.
First, he is reminded of his beloved mother (Sophia Loren), then of a prostitute, of actress Claudia (Kidman), of his designer (Dench), of a reporter who wanted to seduce him (Hudson), of his mistress, Carla (Cruz) and of his ailing wife, Louisa (Cotillard). Thinking that all the bad memories would leave him alone if he moved to a lonely countryside, Guido is about to face the most complicated part of his life as both Carla and Louisa land up to be with him... along with the paparazzi and journalists as well. Guido’s life is already a big hit in the entertainment world but will his movie create enough buzz to mint money at the box office is a question every critic is now asking.
Day-Lewis is perfect as a tormented Italian director. With an expression full of rage and at the same time unpredictable, he makes his character look so cool and smooth.
However, director Rob Marshall, of “Chigaco” fame, somehow could not re-create his magic. The audience does not have much to complain when the cast includes many pretty women. Cruz is lively as ever and she knows she has got the ‘it’ factor being a mistress, Kidman’s performance is passable; yet Cotillard is the the best among them.
The setting of the film has a pristine and charming look throughout. ‘Nine’ does not reach the tenth floor, but is surely a great entertainer.
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