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Format: VHS
Dec 2000
Rated R
Recording Mode: (unknown)
133 min.
Color
UPC: 012236101352 |
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Details
Movie Description
Based on a novel by Arturo Pérez-Reverte (THE CLUB DUMAS) and coscripted by director Roman Polanski, THE NINTH GATE was Polanski's first feature after a long break following the release of 1995's DEATH AND THE MAIDEN--in between, there was an aborted project that faltered when designated star John Travolta opted out. Dean Corso (Johnny Depp) is a cynical rare books dealer hired by Boris Balkan (Frank Langella), a scholar specializing in books on Satanism, to recover the only two remaining copies (in addition to the one owned by Balkan) of THE NINE GATES OF THE KINGDOM OF SHADOWS, a 17th-century text with cryptic illustrations supposedly contributed by Lucifer himself. Corso's investigation takes him to Europe, where he is pursued by a strange girl (Emmanuelle Seigner) who seemes to assume the role of his guardian angel: Bizarre deaths inspired by the book's morbid illustrations befall all those who come into contact with the book--except himself. This occult mystery should satisfy fans of subtly creepy, stylish tales of the supernatural along the lines of Polanski's own ROSEMARY'S BABY.
Synopsis
THE NINTH GATE (based on Arturo Perez-Reverte's book THE CLUB DUMAS), follows the exploits of the unscrupulous Dean Corso (Depp), a rare book collector hired by the wealthy Boris Balkan (Langella). Balkan possesses one of three existing copies of THE NINE GATES OF THE KINGDOM OF SHADOWS in his extensive library on Satan, and dispatches Corso to find the two remaining copies. In order to determine the authenticity of all three books, Corso carries Balkan's copy of THE NINE GATES on his search, which eventually takes him from New York to Europe. Before leaving the States, he encounters Liana Telfer (Olin), a former owner of Balkan's book, who is willing to pursue drastic measures to get it back. As Corso's journey progresses, it becomes increasingly dangerous, and people involved with the book begin to die in strange ways that correspond to its ancient illustrations. When numerous attempts on Corso's life are thwarted by a beautiful stranger (Seigner), he reluctantly pairs up with his mysterious new ally to discover the secret of THE NINE GATES before it falls into the hands of his pursuers.
Film Notes
Theatrical release: March 31, 2000.
Filmed on location in Paris, France; at the Château de Ferrières (near Paris); Sintra, Portugal; Toledo, Spain; and at the Sudios Epinay.
José López Rodero, who plays a dual role (the shady Ceniza brothers), actually started out as the film’s production manager. Polanski decided he would be perfect for the part(s) and persuaded Rodero (who had never done any professional acting before) to appear in the film.
Emmanuelle Seigner is married to Roman Polanski.
Industry Reviews
"...A sardonic detective thriller peppered with carefully crafted pleasures..."
Variety - p.50 - Lisa Nesselson (08/30/1999)
"...Depp's performance is a consistent delight..."
Movieline - p.37 - Stephen Farber (03/01/2000)
"...A lot of lowbrow fun....[Depp performs] with real panache..." -- 3 out of 5 stars - A Satisfying Rental
Premiere - p.87 - Christopher Kelly (08/01/2000)
"...Polanski remains a supreme technician....The film is intricately well-made....THE NINTH GATE is generously spiced with humorous detail..."
Sight and Sound - p.45-6 - Philip Strick (09/01/2000)
"...Engaging and well-executed....Johnny Depp excels in character roles..."
Box Office - p.64 - Tim Cogshell (05/01/2000)
"...THE NINTH GATE is well-crafted with a genteel and moody air....Polanski has concentrated on the subdued and the spooky. And he's thrown in some bizarre acting touches..."
Los Angeles Times - p.F27 - Kenneth Turan (03/10/2000)
"...With its fiery, over-the-top spectacle and bolts of black humor, THE NINTH GATE is actually more in the spirit of VAMPIRE KILLERS than ROSEMARY'S BABY....Lena Olin is the ultimate cat woman..."
Chicago Sun-Times - p.39 - Lloyd Sachs (03/10/2000)
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