The Ninth Gate (1999)

A man of low morals and purveyor of rare books, Dean Corso (Depp), is hired to track down the last remaining copies of a demonic text.
It’s an unusual role for Depp becuase he doesn't get to stand out in any way; Emmanuelle Seigner has that privilege. It’s also unusual for Polanski in that there are occasional moments where it’s decidedly amateurish, which is something I’d rarely accuse him of being. The sumptuous lighting and Polanski’s ability to make even the walls have a sense of history mean the film looks beautiful, but it lacks a vital spark.

2½ engravings out of 5