Italian studs galore

All singing, all dancing Daniel Day-Lewis and friends Sub:

By Selina Pinto

Nine Starring Daniel Day-Lewis, Marion Cotillard, Penélope Cruz, Nicole Kidman, Judi Dench, Kate Hudson, Sophia Loren, and Stacey Ferguson The Weinstein Company 110 mins Rated PG*

From Rob Marshall, the director of Chicago, comes another playful musical about the power of women and the downfall of a star. Based on the Broadway production of the same name, the film is comedic with catchy songs and great dance sequences, though it’s much darker. Nine is the story of famous Italian film director Guido Contini (Day-Lewis), and his personal conflicts to create his latest film, hoping it will not be a “flop” like his recent films. Guido struggles to create a film similar to his original ones which made him a star, while juggling the stress of the media and his producer, as well as the women in his life. There’s his loving wife, Luisa (Cotillard), an actress who he discovered early in his career and made one of the most famous women in Italy. Although they appear happily married in the eyes of the media, Guido can’t resist the temptation of his mistress Carla (Cruz). He also fights lust as Vogue fashion journalist Stephanie (Hudson) throws herself at him. Times on the movie set are tough as the script for the Italia film is not written. Despite his professional difficulties, Guido can always rely on his seamstress Lilli (Dench) to provide him with a cigarette and some down to earth advice. Guido looks to his star muse Claudia (Kidman) in hopes she will bring in the inspiration and popularity for his film. He reflects on his past to when he was a boy and he would pay the prostitute on the beach, Saraghina (Ferguson), to tell him and his school boy chums about the wonders of women. He also thinks of his religious mother (Loren) and his strict uprising. Guido feels the pressure to make a film that will bring in viewers, receive critical acclaim, and mean something to the world – all the while dealing with his own personal demons. Daniel Day-Lewis is absolutely amazing in this film. Nailing the Italian accent, along with great singing, he is both the underdog and the skirt chaser. His character may be a sleazebag, but I couldn’t help but root for him in times of distress. Marion Cotillard is a great choice to cast as his wife. Her innocence and dedication as a wife makes the film realistic and dramatic instead of just a cheesy musical. Judi Dench surprised me with her sassy performance in her musical number and overall played an important and amusing role as Guido’s confidant and advisor. Even Stacey Ferguson (known widely as Fergie), plays a small but hilarious role with great singing. However, none of the actresses compare to Penelope Cruz. Her tight, silky lingerie and stilettos donned during her song made everyone in the audience take a breather. She is the mistress in love with the idea of being a mistress, constantly asking if Guido would cast her husband in his next film. The downfall of this film is casting Kate Hudson. Attempting to play a seductive fashion journalist doesn’t work for her. I will credit her with having one of the catchiest songs in the film, but batting her eye lashes and flipping her hair too many times does not make up for a lack of acting skills. I was expecting a lot more from her. Another flaw is the lack of Nicole Kidman’s character, as she is portrayed as an important role, but her purpose is not explained with much detail. The film starts a bit slow at the beginning, however, as the pace quickens, the entertainment truly begins. The singing and dancing is enchanting for viewers, while the plot is both engaging and unique. Overall, the atmosphere of the film made me wish I could sing, dance, and be Italian in the 1960s. Luckily, creating an illusion of emotion is the purpose of a musical, to which the film succeeded.

3 out of 4 stars

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