The Ninth Gate (1999)

Did you people see the same film I saw?

Admirable film.

I cannot think of one single thing that I would change about this film. The acting is incomparable, the directing deft, and the writing poignantly brilliant.

This is one of the few movies I've ever seen where the whole audience broke into spontaneous, loud applause a third of the way in.

I was not thrilled, but I like this type of stories and I love Johnny Depp, so this movie was quite enjoyable for me.7/10

On my second rewatch I upped this film half a star. It's genuinely pretty entertaining, and I think the first time that I saw it, I wasn't quite expecting such a "commercial" film. I think I was right on the tail end of finishing Venus in Fur in fact, so I was looking for something more... art-house. At any rate, this film is highly entertaining, a slow burning thriller, the type that Polanski is so damn good at. As always, beautiful, beautiful sets, lighting, and camera work. I have no idea why people say that Depp was miscast, I thought he was fantastic.

I am shocked, that this film has such a low rating. This film ticks all the boxes and more. Hitchcockian suspense that keeps you wondering what is going to happen next.Great atmosphere, clever, subtle cinematography and pace.Great acting that fits this type of film.I've been glued to this film all of the four times I've watched it this week.If I had the money I would buy the books (watch the film - no spoilers here !)Highly recommended.A well deserved 10/10 from me, and a film that you can re-watch and enjoy.

I first saw this near it's release & was totally oblivious to it's subtle charms. Having re-watched it again, and again, with new eyes & consciousness I must say it's up there with the most cherished films in my collection. I won't give away anything in regards to plot/spoilers but I will say that the beautiful woodcuts in the film bear more attention than the camera gives them. For me The Ninth Gate is Polanski's love letter to the occult, far superior than his other films that dip a toe in those waters and are somehow held in much higher regard. Depp is so superb throughout I could almost forgive him for that Jack Sparrow nonsense (how many though, really?). The supporting cast are all on the money & the score by Wojciech Kilar (Bram Stoker's Dracula, The Pianist) is one to seek out in isolation. If you like the film it's also well worth checking the net for sites expanding & discussing it's themes- The Ninth Gate continues to be appreciated & inspire new audiences many years after it's release.