Split into three parts, The Nines feels like three completely different films. In "˜The Prisoner' a troubled television producer finds himself on house arrest, with the sole link to the outside world provided by both his publicist and next door neighbor. Mysterious happenings lead him to doubt both as he tries to find out the true meaning of his incarceration. "˜Reality Television' is a half hour episode of Behind the Scenes, a "˜Project Greenlight'-like documentary where we follow a famed television writer through the course of creating a hot network drama. Having already shot the pilot with best friend and lead actress (Melissa McCarthy), Gavin Taylor is forced to make some decisions as the fate of his show is in the air. The film ends with "˜Knowing', where we find an acclaimed video game designer and his family having car trouble in the woods. When his daughter finds a piece of evidence, a life changing decision must be made with undeniable consequences.
If you got all that, I am amazed. Just like the summary, The Nines is a confusing story that will leave your wind wandering as the credits role. Ryan Reynolds plays three characters to perfection, making each unique while carrying a similar attitude to be identified by. Throw in a little Hope Davis, who can conquer any part, and you somehow pull off an otherwise unsellable product. I personally classify the film as being a bit "˜trippy,' but when you go and see a John August film (Go and Big Fish) you have to expect something a little out there. The film does play to its strengths, and though it was nothing like I expected, I have to admit that it was quite enjoyable.
One thing that really made the film so pleasurable was that it made you think. John August continues his streak of unique, mind-churning films and sets the bar even higher as he makes one even more confusing and more "˜trippy'. And though The Nines will probably never garner mainstream success, it should develop a "˜cult' following which in and of itself proves the strength of the film.
Talking with John August, he is not ashamed to admit that he has intentionally inserted little things within the film that will cause each re-watch to feel like a new experience. Whether it is the sign at the bus stop or a little movement in the back ground, little things that help the story make more sense, or usually in my case, confuse you even more, can be seen with each re-watch.
However, no matter how strong or different the story is, it never would have been pulled off without the talent of the three lead actors. Ryan Reynolds proved that he can do more than cause laughs, Hope Davis proved that she never misses a beat, and Melissa McCarthy, most known for her role in the TV show Gilmore Girls, more than pulls her weight, making the chemistry come full circle.
The film is different, original, and with all the parts actually fitting together, it causes your head to hurt as you figure out what all is going on. In simple terms ... it's a success.
