The Ninth Gate - DVD

Despite some of its gothic surface trappings, Polanski's brilliant and delightful 'The Ninth Gate' is decidedly NOT a horror film. Rather, it is both an occult fantasy and a bibliographic detective story with a leavening touch of dark humor. And it is that latter element which makes it a perfect trilogy with Polanski's 'Rosemary's Baby' and 'The Tenant'. But the one element that sets it apart from Polanski's other films, as well as most other films I've seen, is its central plot. For how many films can you think of which co-star a BOOK? That's right. A book. For the film's title is derived from the ancient tome to which I refer -- the fictional 'Nine Gates To The Kingdom Of Shadows' (think Lovecraft's Necronomicon). And it is this elusive and ultra rare volume, as well as one of its three owners, Boris Balkan (a suavely sinister Frank Langella), that sends Johhny Depp's dubious Dean Corso (he's wonderful in this role) on a globe-hopping quest to secure the other two volumes by hook or by crook. Mostly crook. For Dean Corso is a rare book detective whose loyalty can easily be purchased by the highest bidder. And purchase it Mr. Balkan does, sending both the plot and the film into motion, masterfully and wittily controlled by Polanski. Other elements too good not to be acknowledged are the various supporting performances. From the aforementioned Langella, to a wickedly and insouciantly seductive Lena Olin, to the various characters Depp's literary sleuth encounters on his travels -- every one of these a gem -- this film is an embarrassment of riches. Like a more accessible 'Eyes Wide Shut', and with certain aspects of the classic 'Night Of The Demon', the film's central character moves from essential innocence to knowing experience, and, as a result of his adventures and discoveries, ends up in a very different place from where he began. Filmed in various picturesque cities, the film also benefits from its fine sets and atmospheric locations. And the cinematography and memorable score are also essential elements in this carefully paced, playfully naughty puzzle-toy of a film. Adapted from a complex novel ('The Club Dumas') Polanski wisely decided to jettison one of the book's central plots entirely and concentrate instead on just one of them -- the search for a book which is supposed to have been co-authored by none other than his Dark Majesty, Lucifer himself. Any further surprises that await in this deliciously enjoyable film I shall not give away here. But, suffice it to say, this is a rich and rewarding cinematic adventure which will repay repeated viewings. And a marvelous bonus is the superb commentary track which Polanski provides here -- one of the best and most informative director commentaries I've had the pleasure of listening to in its entirety. Intrigued? Then purchase this at once. You won't be disappointed. Read more

Quick delivery, this is a great movie Read more

It is a Roman Polanski film so it is going to be a bit on both the edgy and hilariously sarcastic side. What I admire about this film is the ambiguity and dualistic side of how Mr. Polanski thinks about the eerie spiritualism which seems ot have infected everyone's brain in the Anglosphere since 1968: everything that happens in the film which is "out there" could also be simple coincidence or accident. I can see why Mr. Depp keeps getting roles like "Dark Shadows" and "Sleepy Hollow." You might like also to try on the many '90's and early 2000's films you might have missed as for most people in my age group those were very busy years for taking care of business instead of recreational cinema. In som many ways films were actually crafted to standards of quality no longer common as once they were. Miramax and the other 90's studios may have been madhouses to work for but they did really amazing work! Read more

I love this film..I am an artist and listen to it periodically while sculpting..it is great to view but also listen to..Depp and Langella give great performances. there is one part in the film when Corso (Depp) comes back to the rare book store with 4 volumes of a rare and they are squabbling about percentages. the owner says he should get 20%, Depp says 10%...the owners says I need it for my children, while Depp replies, you don't have any children...the book dealer responds, I'm still young give me time. those kinds of lines are throughout the film..good writing richard Read more

A masterpiece of cinema. Read more

Rewatching this movie recently I was struck by how much it improves upon subsequent viewings. The subtle nuances of Johnny Depp's performance reveal themselves only to confirm that he is definitely one of the greatest living actors working today. It's easy to see why mainstream audiences stayed away from this movie. There is an uneasy mix of playful, black humour and serious dread throughout that constantly keeps the viewer off balance -- in a good way. Also, Depp plays a decidedly unlikable character -- right from the start, where he screws a hapless family out of rare, expensive books, establishes that he is an unscrupulous book dealer only in it for the money. However, Depp's own natural charisma maintains interest in his character and even makes him kinda sympathetic in a weird way as he gradually realizes that he is in way over his head. The use of European locations is excellent and effectively establishes an atmospheric vibe that gets me every time. It doesn't hurt that the film is shot by DP extraordinare, Darius Khondji (Seven). Every frame of this movie is beautifully shot. The DVD itself is pretty good. The extras are a bit on the slim side with a superficial (and extremely brief!) Making Of featurette but the real crowning touch is an audio commentary by the man himself, Roman Polanski. He starts off a little slow but once he gets going, offers quite a few interesting tidbits and views on filmmaking (and, of course, the movie itself) and is definitely worth a listen for Polanski fans. This is an underrated film that is definitely worth a look if you like something a little different in your films. It doesn't hold your hand like most Hollywood fodder does and this a refreshing change. Read more

Older movie but just okay Read more