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Friday, July 4, 2025

"Nine" Leaves Viewers Entertained Yet Confused

"Nine" Leaves Viewers Entertained Yet Confused

"Nine" is a musical with an all-star cast of actresses.

"Nine," the musical portrayal of the life and times of Italian filmmaker Guido Contini, was a recipe for success - a scantily clad Penelope Cruz that appears only ten minutes into the film, amazing songs performed by talented artists and actresses, and an all-star cast - all it was lacking was a plot.

Not to be confused with District Nine (that alien movie) or 9 (that post-apocalyptic animated movie), "Nine" gave insight into the personal life of director Guido Contini. Although, it seemed as if this insight only got as far as the bedroom. Guido Contini (Daniel Day-Lewis) was married to Luisa Contini, played by Marion Cotillard. That's only the beginning of the list of stars in this film. Guido has a problem staying faithful to his wife, having affairs with both his prized actress, or "his muse," Claudia (Nicole Kidman), and his mistress Carla, played by Penelope Cruz.

Guido also has flashbacks to a seductress from his childhood, who is played by Fergie. Kate Hudson appears as Stephanie, an Elle reporter who not only writes about Guido Contini's life, but also attempts to help corrupt his marriage.

As I mentioned, this cast is jam-packed with talented people. Ever since "There Will Be Blood" I've believed that Daniel Day-Lewis can do no wrong, and Kate Hudson won my heart years ago in "Almost Famous." I've never been a huge Penelope Cruz fan nor Nicole Kidman, though she was outstanding in "Moulin Rouge!", a personal yet embarrassing favorite.

The person that surprised and impressed me the most in this movie was Fergie. Once a drug fiend turned pop sensation, "Nine" proved to me that this diva is well on her way to becoming a respected artist. Though her music is mostly heard in clubs or fifty times a day on your local radio station, Fergie's performance in "Nine" was really something else. Her voice was strong and she sent her message perfectly. Her vocal range was broad and her dance moves were flawless. Though her part was small, maybe even considered a cameo, I was pretty blown away by her performance.

I'm not a huge fan of musicals; I can't handle the constant anticipation of knowing that after something dramatic happens a song will inevitably follow and take up ten minutes of the time in which I would much prefer listening to actual dialogue. But, I know I bought into that situation when the pimply kid at the ticket counter handed me my stub.

Musicals are fine by me as long as I can still follow a storyline. In "Nine," I would not. It's not that it was too complex for me to follow, it's that it was non-existent. In jist, Guido is a cinematic genius-meets-celebrity who cheats on his wife. He gets caught and loses his wife along with his ability to write a script for a film. Sure we feel bad for him, but he wasn't exactly a likeable guy in the first place. I don't want to give away the whole story, but I will tell you that in the end he comes out on top. Though everyone likes a happy ending, this guy didn't deserve one.

"Nine" leaves its audience grasping for the loose ends of the story and unable to tie them together. I left the theater impressed by the music but let down by the unfinished business of the story of Guido Contini's life. I can tell you that "Nine"'s nomination for five Golden Globes most certainly was earned by its music rather than it's poorly-developed plot.

"Nine" is a musical with an all-star cast of actresses.

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