Nine

Movie name: Nine
Year of release: 2009
Director: Rob Marshall
Stars: Daniel Day Lewis, Marion Cotillard, Penelope Cruz, Judi Dench, Nicole Kidman, Sophia Loren, Fergie, Ricky Tognazzi, Kate Hudson
Genre: Musical
Score out of ten (whole numbers only): 5

Synopsis:Rob Marshall's third feature, following the multiple award winning "Chicago" and "Memoirs of a Geisha", follows the footsteps of his first and very successful film: an adaptation of a Broadway musical. "Nine" is in itself a musical based on the legendary Italian film-maker Federico Fellini and his relationship with several women. The adaptation that Rob Marshall and his screenwriters did, focuses the story on Italian director Guido Contini, who is a world renowned film-maker who is about to start a new film. Guido however is unraveling since his script is non-existent and he is filled with self doubt. It is the several women in his life that help him come to terms with his existence. Rob Marshall has begun his career as a choreographer and as such, his work in "Chicago" and now "Nine" is extremely polished and accomplished, however in this particular case, the narrative is severely undermined when compared with the polished look of the musical numbers. Guido's character is uni dimensional and completely one note: it's hard to create empathy with such a narcissistic character. The more interesting characters are the women in his life, in particular his long suffering wife played with great intensity and charm by Marion Cotillard and his luscious and dramatic mistress Carla, played by the fantastic Penelope Cruz. They alone elevate the film, but highlights should also go to Judi Dench playing the director's confidante and Sophia Loren as the ghost of his ever present mother. Daniel Day Lewis tries to make his character compelling, but this is clearly a case where his talent and the character don't match. A flawed yet interesting film.