The Ninth Gate [Blu-ray]

This is a superb supernatural thriller based on the engrossing short story "The Club Dumas" by Arturo Pérez-Reverte.It's a pleasure to see Johnny Depp being cast in a movie wherein he is provided with an opportunity to showcase his considerable talents in a role that permits him to reveal a more serious side of both his acting abilities and an insight into the deeper regions of his own psyche.He can effortlessly and adroitly navigate a wide range of rolls that demand the talents of an exemplary actor; his role of Dean Corso, a mercenary wheeler/dealer of rare books, provides a welcome relief from the silliness of more recent productions such as Pirates of The Caribbean, Alice in Wonderland and Charlie and The Chocolate Factory; not to be confused with the film, Chocolat in which he succeeds admirably in a supporting role.Frank Langella delivers an exemplary performance as the millionaire Boris Balkan, an even more ruthless character who is an avid collector of obscure books on occult practices.Corso is contracted by Balkan to search for and retrieve a series of identical tomes of the dark arts, which are reputed to have been penned by a renaissance period acolyte of Lucifer, under direct tutelage from the devil himself.Lena Olin who can always be counted upon to deliver a decisive and consummate performance in any role she is given, is perfectly cast as an equally unscrupulous and steel willed adversary of Balkin and any obstacle that challenges her quest to retrieve a copy of the nefarious book that was once in her possession but, unbeknownst to her, sold by her husband to Boris Balkan.The supporting cast members are equally adept at portraying the owners of the various copies of the book, all of which when brought together; contain vital clues to solving an elusive puzzle which is key to revealing the true intent of their ultimate reunification.The illustrations are imaginatively evocative of the carved wood print engravings by the famed German renaissance artist Albrecht Dürer and are inspired by Tarot/Tarocchi card imagery.Emmanuelle Seigner creates a sufficient portrayal of a young woman of mysterious and unknown origin who is a covert guide and protector of Corso. Her character is not pivotal but important nonetheless.Ms. Seigner’s demeanor is curiously impartial for the most part, although she does convey an undercurrent of determination and the combination of these two qualities help to underscore the mystery of her presence and purpose.The production elements are suitably created with measured and convincing realism including scenic shots of locales and interiors; some of which are recognizably authentic, although altered for the films purposes.Overall, this a very entertaining film, especially for those who enjoy really well produced movies concerning the occult with an emphasis on Tarot divination and artwork.The film handles the subject matter with a high benchmark of integrity and never insults the viewers intelligence.

Despite some of its gothic surface trappings, Polanski's brilliant and delightful 'The Ninth Gate' is decidedly NOT a horror film. Rather, it is both an occult fantasy and a bibliographic detective story with a leavening touch of dark humor. And it is that latter element which makes it a perfect trilogy with Polanski's 'Rosemary's Baby' and 'The Tenant'. But the one element that sets it apart from Polanski's other films, as well as most other films I've seen, is its central plot. For how many films can you think of which co-star a BOOK?That's right. A book.For the film's title is derived from the ancient tome to which I refer -- the fictional 'Nine Gates To The Kingdom Of Shadows' (think Lovecraft's Necronomicon). And it is this elusive and ultra rare volume, as well as one of its three owners, Boris Balkan (a suavely sinister Frank Langella), that sends Johhny Depp's dubious Dean Corso (he's wonderful in this role) on a globe-hopping quest to secure the other two volumes by hook or by crook. Mostly crook.For Dean Corso is a rare book detective whose loyalty can easily be purchased by the highest bidder. And purchase it Mr. Balkan does, sending both the plot and the film into motion, masterfully and wittily controlled by Polanski.Other elements too good not to be acknowledged are the various supporting performances. From the aforementioned Langella, to a wickedly and insouciantly seductive Lena Olin, to the various characters Depp's literary sleuth encounters on his travels -- every one of these a gem -- this film is an embarrassment of riches. Like a more accessible 'Eyes Wide Shut', and with certain aspects of the classic 'Night Of The Demon', the film's central character moves from essential innocence to knowing experience, and, as a result of his adventures and discoveries, ends up in a very different place from where he began.Filmed in various picturesque cities, the film also benefits from its fine sets and atmospheric locations. And the cinematography and memorable score are also essential elements in this carefully paced, playfully naughty puzzle-toy of a film.Adapted from a complex novel ('The Club Dumas') Polanski wisely decided to jettison one of the book's central plots entirely and concentrate instead on just one of them -- the search for a book which is supposed to have been co-authored by none other than his Dark Majesty, Lucifer himself.Any further surprises that await in this deliciously enjoyable film I shall not give away here. But, suffice it to say, this is a rich and rewarding cinematic adventure which will repay repeated viewings. And a marvelous bonus is the superb commentary track which Polanski provides here -- one of the best and most informative director commentaries I've had the pleasure of listening to in its entirety.Intrigued? Then purchase this at once. You won't be disappointed.

Incredible.This movie really hit the spot = the right mood at the right time.Depp, the incredible actor, probably sold his soul to the devil during this movie.The proof is in the pudding. Just look at him today (2025) and who he is aligned with.We must fight evil!! Righteous +1