The Ninth Gate ***

Roman Polanski’s The Ninth Gate, Boris Balkan’s attempt to get The Nine Gates of the Kingdom of Shadows written by Torchia in 1666 has Dean Corso (Johnny Depp), a book detective, run all over the world to find the book that supposedly allows one to conjure up the devil. The Ninth Gate is unfairly compared to Polanski's allegedly superior, earlier horror films. But one has to recognize he is going for something deliberately comedic. This isn't to say there is just shallow entertainment. For those willing to look a little further, the film offers some interesting treats in terms of plot and character.