The Ninth Gate (1999)
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Dean Corso is a book dealer who has just enough faith in nothing to make him completely apathetic and indifferent. He wants his cash and the glee he gets from screwing people out of old books. But one of his clients has stumbled onto something big. Baron Balkin has a copy of a very old and important work: a book written with the help of the Devil. Dean's job is to find the other 2 copies and figure out which one is the most authentic because obviously his hasn't been working properly. See there is a secret riddle and if you can solve it, you can summon the Devil himself. The closer Dean gets, the more dangerous his job gets. He must battle the owners of the books and even a secret society designed to keep these secrets very secret. Along the way, Dean has a guardian angel and despite her helping him at all times, he better not double-cross her. She's one mean woman and she sure is interested in his quest. But will Dean find the books and discover the truth or will the Devil just beat him to it?
Overall: I was really enjoying this film, but like most people hated the ending. It makes some sense given the pictures in the books but lacks the punch needed to make one walk away satisfied. I liked the direction the film took and no doubt Polanski was having fun with his film. But what was with all those damn "Shell" ads? I mean we all know why he can't film in the U.S. (which make his films that much better given the unique countryside shots and perspective we get from his work), but can't he find any other sponsors? (if you don't know Polanski's story, e-mail me). I enjoyed Frank Langella, but I can't forgive him for "Masters of the Universe" or Depp for "Private Resort." Comparison: Eyes Wide Shut meets The Prophecy |
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