tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post4441424056724363650..comments2024-03-17T10:11:46.952-04:00Comments on Film Experience Blog: Nine Thoughts I Had On... NineNATHANIEL Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11597109147678235399noreply@blogger.comBlogger42125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-51241621004390619822010-04-05T06:22:47.786-04:002010-04-05T06:22:47.786-04:00Great review! And written so long ago :). Still, I...Great review! And written so long ago :). Still, I am one of the fans of the musical, I loved the music, all the way through. The choreography of Be Italian! is fascinating, it is breathtaking and Fergie really delivers the song. I also liked Cinema Italiano, very-very much. Marion Cotillard is phenomenal, and although I can understand why others are so upset about the flaws of the film, I just had the feeling I want to see it again, and then it must be good, I guess:). It's like humming the notes leaving the cinema, which I also did:).<br /><br />Nathaniel, I am sooooo happy about what you wrote about the plot, I totally agree with you on that. Why are movie critics so conservative about these things? It's a self-referential feature, so typical nowadays. I also didn't understand why everybody was so excited to smash Nine completely. It was not that bad at all.vg21https://www.blogger.com/profile/18224254040084856202noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-6283391853461291492010-01-17T13:58:18.977-05:002010-01-17T13:58:18.977-05:00Never thought I'd forgive Cotillard for winnin...Never thought I'd forgive Cotillard for winning Julie Christie's Oscar, but after she won the San Diego Best Actress prize and I read Nathaniel's review, I was intrigued to see her in this, despite the critical backlash and audience apathy towards the film. Cotillard's definitely the real deal in <i>Nine</i>, pulling off the difficult task of appearing completely real, especially in her musical numbers (when this woman bursts into song, Cotillard’s so emotionally compelling you simply accept it as a character trait). <br /><br />As for her Best Actress campaign, it brought to mind Eleanor Parker’s Best Actress nod for <i>Detective Story</i>. Parker’s only in the movie about 20 minutes, while Supporting Actress nominee Lee Grant stays in that police station forever, but Parker’s so gripping in her highly dramatic scenes, it’s easy to see how she was rewarded as a lead. Cotillard’s impact in <i>Nine</i> is substantial enough that I wouldn’t mind seeing her on the Best Actress shortlist, although with the film sinking like a stone, it probably won’t happen. Whatever category you place her in, I think viewing a performance of this quality is rare, and deserves some attention. For me, Cotillard’s work was the most resonant factor in the film- if the film ever develops a cult status, her performance will have a lot to do with it.Vertigo's Psychohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17701774152300870403noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-82203811686492616552010-01-02T11:11:18.606-05:002010-01-02T11:11:18.606-05:00Even while I was enjoying the numbers I found myse...<i>Even while I was enjoying the numbers I found myself still resenting Marshall's status as THE go to man for film musicals, especially since he doesn't seem to fully trust the form. He employs, again, the overly literal notion/gimmick that musical numbers must take place in the imagination because people don't sing in real life.</i><br /><br />Yes, this is exactly how I feel about Rob Marshall and I'm happy that someone else gets the same impression. That was my problem with Chicago, and he did the exact same thing with Nine, only I felt it worked better in Nine because he used it to highlight the clear objectification of women by Guido.<br /><br />I am a musical theatre purist, but I enjoyed the movie a lot more than the reviews suggested I would. It was a relief to read your insightful post which seemed to articulate all the disparate opinions I had about the film. I am definitely bookmarking your blog.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01244566091622503995noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-8790265137133547302009-12-26T04:28:58.829-05:002009-12-26T04:28:58.829-05:00Just saw this, and I have to say, I was not a fan....Just saw this, and I have to say, I was not a fan. There were a couple of great numbers, but I found a lot of the movie to be tedious. I think I can see this story working on the stage, but this is a little too simple a story to be played this flashy. It's a bit like Ryan's Daughter---the bells and whistles drown everything out.<br /><br />Got to agree about Cotillard, though. She KILLS IT.RJhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00960849284510182412noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-84713831987241705372009-12-25T23:19:46.173-05:002009-12-25T23:19:46.173-05:00So I finally saw Nine today and I was surprised th...So I finally saw Nine today and I was surprised that there were a lot of people there. However, there were a few people who left midway through the film, and frankly I wasn't surprised. <br /><br />I went in very excited since I've been dying to see the film since I saw the original trailer back in Mayish? The movie started very well, I thought. The cinematography and the choreography at the beginning was wonderful. After that, DDL shows up on screen and I was quite happy he did. He was good at the press conference until he started to sing. His talk-sing was...awful. I don't know whether or not to blame the structure of the song or the fact that his Italian accent was doing no good for the song. For once, he's over rehearsed for a part.<br /><br />However, once he's done singing, we are then formally introduced to Penelope Cruz's character. I have to say she was incredibly fun and lovely as the neurotic crazy mistress. Her song was sexy and wonderful (aside from the botched up pronunciation)and the screen instantly lighted up when she's on screen. The crowd adored her esp. the "With my legs open" quip. <br /><br />After Penelope, Judi Dench was quite hilarious and wonderful in her role. She has perfect chemistry with DDL and it translated well on the screen. Unlike you, I found no issue with her song except for the over-the-top French accent she employs in the song which she didn't bother to use in the rest of the movie.<br /><br />The best part of the movie, of course, is Marion Cotillard. There are two major reasons why she's fantastic: one, she can sing and her voice shows emotion and vulnerability when the lyrics call for it like in "My Husband Makes Movies" where she thinks about the time when she and her husband just met. Then, she ends the song with the melancholic acceptance of what her husband does. Then, her song "Take It All" was so emotional because it showed in her eyes. Second, despite pronouncing some words weirdly, she brought the true emotional strength of the movie through her line deliveries and her expressive eyes. The scene in the room where she says "Blah Blah Blah" was quite good while the scene at the screen test was a strong emotional one and it's all thanks to Cotillard.<br /><br />Without either Cotillard or Cruz, the movie flounders. Kidman was good at being herself--a huge megastar but her song seemed like it didn't fit into the movie well. Fergie was just a musical cameo (but a cameo worth watching over and over), Sophia Loren was...just a glorified cameo with a stupid boring song that put my sister's boyfriend to sleep (I guess it did the trick as a lullaby), and Kate Hudson was just not exciting. Her song was the most horrible of the horrible songs and doesn't deserve any of the awards notices that it keeps getting.<br /><br />Overall, the film, I thought, is all flash but little to no substance. I guess it was my fault because I came in expecting to see a Chicago but ended up with a HSM in terms of quality only HSM was more enjoyable. <br /><br />Marion Cotillard should get nominated and so should Cruz. If I have to pick 1, obviously, it'll be Marion. If any song should be picked, it should be Take It All.<br />I'll give it a C at the most.Clarencenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-50878393576689257242009-12-20T23:28:55.639-05:002009-12-20T23:28:55.639-05:00Actually I'm addicted to Kidman's version ...Actually I'm addicted to Kidman's version of Unusual Way. I think it's both cold and emotional, just how it should be. <br /><br />Can't wait for Rabbit Holejessnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-44055385737702176302009-12-19T20:26:26.003-05:002009-12-19T20:26:26.003-05:00Oh, and I agree 100% with your views on casting fo...Oh, and I agree 100% with your views on casting for musicals. I don't know why Hollywood has to value "big names" over talented singing actors who have trained for and performed musical theater.Alison Flynnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-79041514229796885872009-12-19T20:21:31.117-05:002009-12-19T20:21:31.117-05:00Thank you for this well-thought out and balanced w...Thank you for this well-thought out and balanced write-up. I've been looking forward to reading your thoughts on this movie.<br /><br />I won't be able to see it until it goes wide next week, but I'm going in without huge expectations. You've pointed out the good aspects and the flaws, and provided a very good analysis of those flaws, which I appreciate. Many critics have been tearing this to shreds but their reviews don't really provide concrete reasons for their loathing of this movie.Alison Flynnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-66188245455037451372009-12-19T13:56:09.202-05:002009-12-19T13:56:09.202-05:00Cross your fingers:
Exhibit A
Exhibit BCross your fingers:<br /><br /><a href="http://us.imdb.com/title/tt1417099/" rel="nofollow">Exhibit A</a><br /><br /><a href="http://us.imdb.com/title/tt1262426/" rel="nofollow">Exhibit B</a>Paul Outlawhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14223551781533342142noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-3366912800674437372009-12-19T08:01:35.835-05:002009-12-19T08:01:35.835-05:00@Dom and Paul
Maybe the success of GLEE will help ...@Dom and Paul<br />Maybe the success of GLEE will help Hollywood realize that nobody will hate you if you cast actual musical biggies in musicals. Lea Michele and Matthew MOrrison weren't exactly household names but they're perfect for that show and now they're more famous.<br /><br />(sigh)<br /><br />i don't really harbor a huge desire to make movies but sometimes I wish that I had and did and it would be my purpose in life to rejuvenate the musical and I would have started earlier than 2000 ;) and they would have always been cast for musical talent first, everything else second.NATHANIEL Rhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11597109147678235399noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-9600648503221419742009-12-19T02:33:59.664-05:002009-12-19T02:33:59.664-05:00@Paul
Thank you! Now I know what to tell people w...@Paul<br /><br />Thank you! Now I know what to tell people who ask me why I don't like Nine.<br /><br />Hairography indeed...Dominiquehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13904020232072043741noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-70840297468194067182009-12-18T22:12:10.179-05:002009-12-18T22:12:10.179-05:00And another thing: being a fan of Glee did not hel...And another thing: being a fan of <i>Glee</i> did not help my enjoyment of <i>Nine</i>, because during most of the numbers I kept thinking, "Hairography, hairography..."Paul Outlawhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14223551781533342142noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-51910721975020014362009-12-18T19:42:53.085-05:002009-12-18T19:42:53.085-05:00I'm still confused why Banderas wasn't cas...I'm still confused why Banderas wasn't cast? Is he too old? Too has-been? Not enough box office appeal? Does DDL have any box office appeal?<br /><br />And wouldn't the target audience of housewives be a lot more into the idea of seeing Banderas on the big screen rather than DDL?Goranhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18233320824585119175noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-21378704002412305272009-12-18T17:38:47.096-05:002009-12-18T17:38:47.096-05:00The Guido/Luisa DelForno thing thing is indicative...The Guido/Luisa DelForno thing thing is indicative of something that I caught in the revival and in this one--taking away the power of the women. <br /><br />Taking out Simple and Be On Your Own takes away the agency of the women in leaving him. <br /><br />And changing the lyric from "Guido Contini, Luisa Del Forno, actress with dreams and a life of her own" to "Guido Contini/Luisa his lover.." you think "okay, you have a life of your own, but you're completely identified by him?" That's the issue I have is that the strength of the musical is the strength of the women, and a lot of that was taken away by lots of little choices like that adding up. Kidman had about the most, but her character was still as sketchy as the others, if not more so.<br /><br />I loved Cotillard's voice the most. She's great.<br /><br />@Paul - that's a great idea, but I do agree with Nat--what's wrong with casting singers, even with "act-y" voices? (even if like Umbrellas of Cherbourg, which utilizes those kinds of voices so well)Criticlasmhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15942568777607340234noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-88807601067856290422009-12-18T12:06:31.130-05:002009-12-18T12:06:31.130-05:00When you mention the goddess Julie Andrews, the st...When you mention the goddess Julie Andrews, the steam starts coming out of my ears--<i>Camelot, My Fair Lady</i>, ouch...she was too old to play Polly in <i>The Boyfriend</i> when that film was produced, of course...Paul Outlawhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14223551781533342142noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-56535321534560044242009-12-18T11:57:01.677-05:002009-12-18T11:57:01.677-05:00I guess I just don't understand why it always ...I guess I just don't understand why it always has to be a name? They don't *always* have a name for other film genres. DISTRICT 9 did just fine without names. AVATAR doesn't have "names" that really sell tickets. I know those are scifi epics but i'm stuck on this idea that musicals should be sold on their music the way war movies are sold on violence, horror movies are sold on being scary, and comedies are sold on being funny.<br /><br />I just don't think the recent box office performances of musicals (pretty sturdy and dependably in the $40-100 range) indicate that stars make *that* big a difference.<br /><br />Or if they're going to go with stars go with stars who have already had success in music / musicals (like the cast of Hairspray or Dreamgirls) or who obviously should be starring in them: [Hugh Jackman, Anne Hathaway, Patrick Wilson... maybe Charlize Theron and Claire Danes (if it's a dance musical and if they're as good as rumored)] or why not take a chance on Broadway performers like they did in another decades. One could certainly never argue with the tranferability of BARBRA STREISAND and JULIE ANDREWSNATHANIEL Rhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11597109147678235399noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-24077071338566240032009-12-18T11:43:01.191-05:002009-12-18T11:43:01.191-05:00@ Nat:
Yeah, my friend and I couldn't come up...@ Nat:<br /><br />Yeah, my friend and I couldn't come up with anybody in Hollywood that could sing Guido and hold his own on a marquee. (And seriously, DDL is more of a prestige choice than a box office draw...)Paul Outlawhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14223551781533342142noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-82561509945295956952009-12-18T11:09:35.972-05:002009-12-18T11:09:35.972-05:00@Paul. Wow. Instantly both movies are better. Alth...@Paul. Wow. Instantly both movies are better. Although I'd prefer no on either of them because they aren't singers.<br /><br />I know i have said this too often but I don't really get where Hollywood is coming from not developing actual movie musical stars as opposed to letting preexisting movie stars do a half-assed job of singing. Do people go to action blockbusters for mediocre visual effects experiences or do they expect top of the line f/x and innovation? Music is the selling point of musicals. So shouldn't that part be the focus?NATHANIEL Rhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11597109147678235399noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-90506642768908347812009-12-18T10:35:39.571-05:002009-12-18T10:35:39.571-05:00Told ya'll that my girl Marion would rock it i...Told ya'll that my girl Marion would rock it in this! Her Oscar win was no damn fluke. Make it happen Marion and get your second nomination!<br /><br />Though I knew from the start that Daniel Day-Lewis was all wrong for Guido. It really should have been Antonio Banderas' role in the end, and it's sad thinking what could have been.Doriannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-10843212432506610972009-12-18T10:32:32.095-05:002009-12-18T10:32:32.095-05:00Driving home from the Nine screening last night, I...Driving home from the <i>Nine</i> screening last night, I turned to my friend and said, "Day-Lewis as Benjamin Barker, Depp as Guido Contini. Better casting?"Paul Outlawhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14223551781533342142noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-58738867329626929372009-12-18T06:23:43.292-05:002009-12-18T06:23:43.292-05:00Glad to read a good review and in this form. I lov...Glad to read a good review and in this form. I love it.<br /><br />It's interesting that of all Oscar winners present in this movie the two getting more praise are the two academy award winners more questioned of the whole cast. Good for them.<br /><br />I've been seeing every single promotion bit I've been given, so I'll be watching it regardless of bad reviews (I fully enjoyed Australia last year, in spite of the flaws). Having watched the youtube clips all I can say is Wow to Cotillard's singing and to Cruz's Italian accent. I'm not Italian (even though Be Italian is stuck in my head), but it sounds pretty convincing. I think that had this performance been prior to VCB, people would be going head over heels for her.Pf_Iggynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-23778987666305538142009-12-18T01:56:45.156-05:002009-12-18T01:56:45.156-05:00Just saw Nine. So many great elements, such an uns...Just saw <i>Nine</i>. So many great elements, such an unsatisfying whole. The cinematography and costumes are sensational, Cotillard & Cruz are stellar, Day-Lewis is intriguing... I kept thinking, I should really be moved by all the angst and drama, they're really selling it...but no dice. <br /><br />A for effort, C for result.<br /><br />This is a weird year.Paul Outlawhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14223551781533342142noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-66678464891849247962009-12-17T23:51:57.965-05:002009-12-17T23:51:57.965-05:0031% on Rotten Tomatoes and 51% on Metacritic curre...31% on Rotten Tomatoes and 51% on Metacritic currently. Not looking good at all, guys.Iannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-46467116768019088382009-12-17T23:35:33.214-05:002009-12-17T23:35:33.214-05:00I agree with Nathaniel.
I didn't find "A...I agree with Nathaniel.<br /><br />I didn't find "A Call from the Vatican" to be that great. Penelope was fun in her role, but I thought Marion was better ( and I'm not a big fan of hers).<br /><br />Fergie was fine, she didn't do anything but sing and she did it well.<br /><br />Kate Hudson's song was horrible, it was a huge "WTF is this shit" for me!<br /><br />Overall it was an okay film, not as bad as the critics say.Natenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-72237797818599024502009-12-17T23:21:46.371-05:002009-12-17T23:21:46.371-05:00it took me a second to realize that that was sand ...it took me a second to realize that that was sand falling out of fergie's hand. on first glance i thought it might be her fingernails. which would've been an interesting choice, i think.Floshnoreply@blogger.com