Nine is a technical masterpiece starring six Oscar winners, including Daniel Day Lewis, who plays a self-centered 1960s Italian film director with a wife and numerous lovers.
He's a man-child with writer's block. He's looking for inspiration for his next movie, and, in the process, trying to manipulate too many relationships -- including one with an American journalist, played well by Kate Hudson.
Yes, Nine is a musical and is based on 1982's multiple Tony Award winner from Broadway which was originally inspired by the life of Federico Fellini.
This dazzling new film version features Nicole Kidman as Lewis' leading lady and Penelope Cruz as his mistress -- all of them waiting in line to have their musical say.
Nine is directed by Rob Marshall, who won the Oscar for directing Chicago; his latest is even better.
Nine is also a bitter musical because it's hard to have sympathy for Lewis' character, a pompous, selfish man.
The cast is brilliant; the direction just about perfect; and the lusty musical number by Fergie just about jumps off the screen.
E-mail gcogill@wfaa.com
