The Ninth Gate
by Roman Polanski
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VHS Tape Cover Information
Actor: Barbara Jefford, Emmanuelle Seigner, Frank Langella, Johnny Depp, Lena OlinDirector: Roman Polanski
Writer: Roman Polanski
Producer: Adam Kempton
Producer: Alain Vannier
Producer: Antonio Cardenal
Writer: Arturo P?rez-Reverte
Writer: Enrique Urbizu
Writer: John Brownjohn
Edition: VHS Tape
Audio: English (Original Language), Analog; French (Original Language); Latin (Original Language); Portuguese (Original Language); Spanish (Original Language)
Format: Color, NTSC
Running Time: 133 minutes
Release Date: 2000-12-19
Audience Rating: R (Restricted)
Publisher: Live / Artisan
Studio: Live / Artisan
VHS Movie Reviews of The Ninth Gate
Movie Review: A perfect balance between the occult and psychological thriller
Summary: 5 Stars
This film is vintage Polanski: there is little moral certitude, even if you are dealing with Satan, ruthless and evil acolytes, and a con man, expertly acted by Depp. Instead, you find a coherent and frightening journey of discovery and ambiguity. Depp is charged with examining the authenticity of some rare books, which is his profession, though he is also an unscrupulous and sleazy near-thief. As with all great actors, his every gesture exudes his personal confusion, ambition, and cynical humor - a complete personality and even an entire environment.
After witnessing a number of alarming crimes, he single-mindedly pursues his task (for which he is handsomely paid) and blithely ignores the destruction and murderous detritus as if walking though an obstacle course. Along the way, he keeps running into a mysterious and very beautiful woman, who seems to be protecting him, yet also playfully mocking him before disappearing only to reappear in dangerous moments. Looking not quite human yet vulnerable to injury, she seems to enjoy the evolution of Depp's character in a violent, unpredictable direction. There is a frightening scene where she annoints him with her blood. And the book: the more he discovers, the deeper he gets in becoming almost a direct participant in the antique illustrations in the book, which he scrutinizes as more manuscripts come to light. Depp's character emerges as something more than he appeared to be, though entirely lacking in simple definition. It is truly masterful.
The most beautiful aspect of the film is the sense - the feeling - of ominous mystery that pervades it. In other words, there are many clues that must be interpreted, and the viewer never reaches the point of saying, "oh, I get it", which in lesser films is followed by "that's it?" I found this delightfully fascinating and evocative, particularly as much of it takes place in a region similar to the one I currently live in in France. Typical of Polanski, this elevates the film to a higher art than other occult films, much as Rosemary's Baby did. The mood of the film is completely consistent and demands (and deserves) the viewer's full attention.
Warmly recommended. It is one of the best films I have seen in some time.
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