Nine

I'd never pass up a chance to see a musical on film. Yet, I'd only heard bad things about Rob Marshall's star-studded adaptation of Nine, which had huge expectations due to its amazing cast and Marshall's previous success with Chicago in 2002.

A lot of reviewers cited problems with the plot which is somewhat confusing. Guido Contini (Daniel Day-Lewis) is a hugely popular Italian filmmaker, who seems to have hit a creative blockage when it comes to his latest film. Despite the constant questioning from his producer (Ricky Tognazzi) and his wardrobe designer confidante, Lilli (Judi Dench), Guido remains more distracted by his relationships than creating 'Italia', his new film. And boy, does his have women problems. He is married to the lovely and devoted Luisa (Marion Cottilard), but has a mistress in the form of the also married Carla (Penelope Cruz) and his muse is the beautiful Claudia (Nicole Kidman). He is also seduced by the American journalist, Stephanie (Kate Hudson) and clings to the memories of his mother (Sophia Loren) and the woman who provided his sexual awakening, Saraghina (Fergie).

Nine seems to be more about the creation of art, and the difficulty of creating it-when one is under huge pressure and when one's personal life is in a state of disarray. Guido is reliant on the support of his wife, despite his behaviour, and it is her leaving him that finally makes him break away from his film

So although the Arthur Kopit/Michael Tolkin/Anthony Minghella script may be a little confusing for those who like their musicals brass and bold, the performances are all pretty amazing. Daniel Day-Lewis may not be an amazing singer, but he has a nice enough voice, and enough charisma to make it understandable why he would attract so many women. He also makes Guido a sympathetic character, which is difficult considering his actions don't make him particuarly likeable.

Marion Cotillard is, as she was in La Vie en Rose, is brilliant as Luisa. She's sympathetic, sings beautifully, wears lovely clothes, and it seems impossible that Guido would want anyone else. Guido's 'anyone' else is mainly represented in Penelope Cruz as Carla, who has one of the most memorable performances with 'A Call from the Vatican'-whilst her voice isn't necessarily always strong, her dancing seems to come from nowhere and she brings a similar kookiness to her performance that she has in Vicky Cristina Barcelona.

Judi Dench is a suprise as Lilli, who sings a song lauding the follies, complete with brunette wig, making her look considerably younger than she is. Although he singing isn't entirely unexpected, as she played Sally Bowles in Cabaret in her youth, and also Desiree Armfeldt in A Little Night Music. Sophia Loren's cameo as Guido's mother shows her still to look great, at least on camera. Fergie shows off her huge voice, and her performance of 'Be Italian' made my Mum clap, despite it being on film! Even Kate Hudson, who people in musical theatre circles didn't seem to like was good in the new song 'Cinema Italiano'.

I really enjoyed Nine. Again, Marshall's use of staging musical numbers worked-as the stage became representative of Guido's mind, although I would love to see a musical that fully integrates songs into the action. It is Yeston's wonderful score that really makes the show.