For those hording toilet paper

So my favorite "horror" film of the 90s is Roman Polanski's The Ninth Gate (1999). Now is it the typical horror film? Not particular in every general sense, but I think it has the general air of a horror film as the ultimate mystery guiding Depp's book detective is whether or not an author burned at the stake had written a book (and added portraits with clues in them) in league and partnership with Satan. People die who are involved with three books that are tied to this author (and potentially Satan), and Depp often comes dangerously close to that himself). But Depp seems destined to locate and be introduced to "the ninth gate" as a "guardian angel" and protector (Emmanuelle Seigner) aids him throughout. I guess ole Scratch would prefer to have Depp prove successful rather than Balkan. Which I guess proves an irony when Balkan kills Liana and proclaims his own prestige as the one deserved of the experience he so seeks after.

I hadn't realized until tonight's viewing that Chateau Puivert was in a portrait on Balkan's wall in his Manhattan apartment. It was a "pow" moment that just further illustrated to me that this film unveils its riches with every viewing. I seem to notice something new every time I watch it.

Just for fun:

The full nine engraving titles in Torchia's Nine Gates are these (in order):

-1. Silentium est aureum (Silence is golden).

-2. Clausae patent (They open that which is closed).

-3. Verbum dimissum custodiat arcanum (The lost word keeps the secret).

-4. Fortuna non omnibus aeque (Fate is not the same for all).

-5. Frustra (In vain).

-6. Ditesco mori (I am enriched by death).

-7. Disciplus potior magistro (The disciple surpasses the master).

-8. Victa jacet virtus (Virtue lies defeated).

-9. Nunc scio tenebris lux (Now I know that from darkness comes light).

Sort-of Official Review: Click