The Ninth Gate (1999)

"Nothing is more reliable than a man whose loyalties can be bought with hard cash." Boris Balkan

A visually impressive work, Roman Polanski's The Ninth Gate stars Johnny Depp as rare book dealer Dean Corso a man whose ethics vary in direct relation to the value of the payout. The subject of the story is a rare 16th century book, The Nine Gates of the Kingdom of Shadows, said to be co-written by Lucifer himself. The human author was burned at the stake by the Spanish Inquisition, along with most copies of the book. Three copies of the book remain and Depp is hired by New York collector Boris Balkan (Frank Langella) to compare his copy to the other two to verify its authenticity. So it's off to Europe where the books are in the hands of eccentric, and rich collectors of books on the occult. But before he manages to leave America, bodies are already beginning to pile up and Depp is concerned that he might end up one of them. Others are apparently seeking the books also, and there is this mysterious young lady (Emmanuel Seigner) who keeps popping up...

The story comes from the novel El Club Dumas, by Arturo Perez-Reverte, adapted by John Brownjohn and Roman Polanski who has made it into a tongue in cheek parody of the 40s films noir by John Huston and Howard Hawks. I think a lot of critics missed the humorous aspect as the film has been quite roundly panned, however, listening to the Wojciech Kilar score gives a quite a bit of evidence towards Polanski's humorous intent. The combination results in a measured, atmospheric take on the supernatural quite a bit different than the usual Exorcist or Omen style horror film. I've watched the disk several times and it has grown on me with repeated viewings.

As an antihero, Johnny Depp (Donnie Brasco, From Hell) pulls off a good performance reminiscent of the 40s detectives played by Humphrey Bogart - chain smoking and drinking his liquor straight and managing to bed a couple of ladies along the way. The three millionaire book owners are played over the top by Frank Langella, Lena Olin, and Barbara Jefford. Some of Langella's dialogue is laughably bad and his attack on the black mass is campy as all get out. Lena Olin (Bonfire of the Vanities) and Emmanuel Seigner are sexy and inscrutable, befitting the dark subject, and in accordance with Polanski's usual choices for female leads. Seigneur provides brief nudity towards the climax.

The Artisan DVD contains a 2.35:1 theatrical format color version of the film. Roman Polanski contributes a full-length director's commentary that sheds quite a bit of light on his purposes for making the film. There is also a featurette and three trailers included in the special features section. An isolated music score completes the package.

For those who are expecting a no holds barred occult thriller like The Exorcist, this will not satisfy, but somebody who likes a measured, subtly humorous look at the occult, may enjoy The Ninth Gate, as I did.

Enjoy a good film tonight!

Recommended:
Yes

Viewing Format: DVD
Video Occasion: Fit for Friday Evening