NINE QUEENS
(a film review by Mark R. Leeper)
CAPSULE: An Argentinean film very much in the mold of HOUSE
OF GAMES. An experienced con man takes a younger one under
his wing and involves him in a plot involving a valuable
block of stamps and a complex game of double-crosses. A
little clever plotting and a lot that is familiar,
particularly from David Mamet. Rating: 6 (0 to 10),
+1 (-4 to +4)
Perhaps this film should be called an homage. It certainly is a film very much in the spirit of David Mamet's HOUSE OF GAMES. Two con men meet when the younger, Juan (played by Gaston Pauls) gets himself into trouble and the more experienced Marcos (Ricardo Darin) bails him out. Marcos offers friendship and a one-day course in the short con. He shows a restaurant con to give the illusion of having paid for his meal with a large bill. But then he suggests that Juan help him on a bigger con. The two will get their hands on a near perfect forgery of a plate of valuable rare postage stamps. Soon the viewer is not sure who is doing what to whom. Complicating matters is Valeria, Marco's successful sister who is less than pleased with her brother's occupation.
NINE QUEENS was written and directed by Fabian Bielinsky of Argentina. This is his first time as director. He has created a sufficiently twisty plot, though the plot and situation is far from original. It is a diverting enough puzzle when watching it and thinking of possibilities. This is not a film that leaves one with a lot to think about but it is diverting. I rate it a 6 on the 0 to 10 scale and a +1 on the -4 to +4 scale.
Mark R. Leeper
markrleeper@yahoo.com
Copyright 2001 Mark R. Leeper
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