Expecting the worst and getting surprised with the exact opposite is an emotion I wish I could bottle.
After having a few respected friends say they were less than thrilled with NINE I was a little sad to think Rob Marshall had screwed up one of my favorite musicals. They complained about Nicole Kidman’s voice, Mr. Marshall using the dream conceit…AGAIN, him changing lyrics and characters etc….you know bitter musical theatre whore complaints when someone messes with what they consider a work of art.
Maybe it was the magic of the Ziegfeld or being in the company of two of my nearest and dearest – Madeleine & Julia, but we sat up in the balcony and for 2 plus hours I feasted on and vibrated to the wonder of NINE. Sure as I sang along in my seat changed lyrics like speed bumps jostled my mind around, but when I just let myself go into that world I didn’t want to leave.
The women, all of them, did an amazing job. The lushness of beauty on so many levels staggers my jaded heart. I thought Nicole sang Unusual Way beautifully and her delivery of, “I’d rather be the man,” still echoes in my mind as the perfect way to strip away Guido’s idea of how women really are and what they want. When she removed her wig it was like she rung down on him a reality he can no longer run from, he must see her & all of the women in his life as they are, all beautifully broken but unbelievably resistant to the damage he might do to them, they all survive in defiance of their love for him.
Marion Cotillard, well frankly what can I say about her, she took Luisa to a whole other level. The added song gutted her soul and the viewer watching it, she is probably the heir to Meryl’s throne and I can’t wait to see where she takes us in the future.
Penélope Cruz, as the sexy broken call from the Vatican made me realize just what a prick Guido is, his response to her sarcastic, “I’ll be here with my legs open,” just shows how completely self involved and out of touch he is with everyone. I’m still trying to figure out how to make that line my ring tone.
Kate Hudson, hot American sass, loved the number and the garters. Brava Carramia!
Judi Dench!! Work that boa bitch! ~Fin~
Sophia Loren, classically aloof and overbearing at the same time….please work more you icon of film history!
Fergie!! I say keep the 17lbs you never looked or sounded better!! Be Italian is my favorite number in the show and she and Rob didn’t disappoint. The jump cuts from the black & white past to the musical number just made my heart beat faster. Diva sang the “merda” outta that song! However if she had, had lines I probably wouldn’t feel the same way. Smart move Mr. Marshall.
As I respect Daniel Day-Lewis as an actors actor, he just didn’t do it for me. I mean he gave an intense performance and he really made me see the “user” showman that is Guido Contini. But I just feel Antonio Banderas would have been better, he was amazing in the Broadway show and he had the voice that the part needed.
Overall, this Scotch/Irish lass wouldn't mind being Italian if only for a little while…as long as I'm not near Jersey Shore.
