I like it and agree with Sedai that the absence of Satan added intrigue and class to the film rather than taking anything away. I'm a big fan of the occult horror/mystery genre and thought The Ninth Gate was pretty compelling stuff right up to the final frame. If Polanski had laid all his cards on the table with some latex or CGI beastie it would have cheapened it for me. Surely the whole point with this subject is that nobody really knows if it's real anyway; that's what makes it so mysterious and interesting. Afterall I didn't hear anyone complaining when they didn't find out who the Zodiac killer was. Plus I can imagine a much more terrifying Lucifer than anything Polanski could have put on screen.
I'll agree that the ending is a little abrupt, but it made perfect sense to me
I'll agree that the ending is a little abrupt, but it made perfect sense to me
WARNING: "Ninth Gate ending" spoilers below
Depp's character had simply become part of legend/prophecy with Polanski's final ninth drawing reveal. It was the final page, the end of the story. For once I liked the lack of exposition, it wasn't needed. Credit to Polanski for not pandering to the audience and treating them like fools
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100 Favourites From The Future: REWIRED
100 Favourites From The Future: REWIRED