Dean Corso (Jonny Depp) is a young researcher of antique books for collectors when he is commissioned by Boris Balkan (Frank Langella) to find and establish the authenticity of the remaining 2 copies of the book "The Nine Gates of the Kingdom of Shadows," printed in Venice in 1600. The work is attributed to Torchia, an author at the time in the odor of Satanism. According to the intentions of the originator Balkan, these three copies (which have some slight differences between them in the drawings they contain) have the power to open the gates of "wisdom" (and Hell).
While searching for the missing copies in Balkan, Dean Corso visits various places including New York, Toledo, and Paris.
With the help of a mysterious woman (Emanuelle Seigner), Corso unravels the arcane mystery. In these places, however, he witnesses tragically violent and disturbing deaths.
It is certainly not the best film that Polish director Roman Polanski has given us, yet it is not to be completely disdained. Far too much was expected from this film, moreover, harshly criticized by many.
The Ninth Gate not very fast paced, in fact I would say rather slow, recommended especially for people who do not like too much action movie pace.
Splatter is virtually absent, so no bloodshed, but only some vaguely depicted crimes. Evil is concealed in beauty, here represented by Emmanuelle Seigner, Dean Corso's tempting angel/devil.
This horror film, based on the novel "The Dumas Club" by Pérez Reverte Arturo, has very dark/gothic atmospheres that make the film dark and fascinating.
The film, with the music by Wojciech Kilar and the screenplay by Enrique Urbizu, John Brownjohn and Roman Polansky, is worth watching late at night... especially if you live in a quiet and isolated place, so you can savor in its beauty that very subtle malignant atmosphere present in 130 minutes of "mystery."
Review of VAMPIRA
