The Ninth Gate
Cover: 
Plot Summary: Dean Corso (Johnny Depp) is an unscrupulous rare books dealer. A
rich client, Boris Balkan (Frank Langella), who is obsessed with the devil,
hires Corso to verify the authenticity of a book that is said to have the power
to summon the devil. Although the job pays exceedingly well, Corso begins to
see that his life is in danger and that the book holds more mystery than he at
first suspected.
Director: Roman Polanski
Writer: Arturo Pérez-Reverte (novel)
John Brownjohn (screenplay)
Enrique Urbizu (screenplay)
Roman Polanski (screenplay)
Cast: Johnny
Depp
(Dean Corso)
Frank
Langella
(Boris Balkan)
Lena Olin
(Liana Telfer)
Emmanuelle Seigner (The Girl)
Barbara
Jefford
(Baroness Kessler)
Jack
Taylor
(Victor Fargas)
José López Rodero
(Pablo & Pedro Ceniza/Workmen)
Tony
Amoni
(Liana’s Bodyguard)
James
Russo
(Bernie)
Rating: R
Review: I love this movie at the same time I don’t quite like it, but that’s
okay, because it was actually Roman Polanski’s goal. He wanted the audience to
like the movie, but at the same time have this feeling of dislike or unease.
That’s exactly what the film arouses, so in that sense the movie was a complete
success. My feelings towards the movie is a bit hard to explain, but I doubt
I’m the only one who feels this way about the film. Johnny Depp, as always, was
incredible. It’s certainly interesting to see him in that kind of character.
Another strange thing is that I find myself liking the character at the same
time I find myself hating the character. It’s a strange movie, and that’s no
doubt, but wonderful in its brilliance.
Trivia: This is the second time Johnny has worked with Lena Olin. Lena Olin was
in Chocolat as Josephine.