The Ninth Configuration

this movie 🍿🎥 is hot 🔥🥵

source: The Ninth Configuration

This film has all the facets of Blatty's novels and films: the occasionally wildly silly and wonderful dialog, the Catholic iconography, the crucified "savior", and the eloquent debate between the depths of humanity's despair and its hopes for a heaven (to which one might aspire). This is a truly beautiful little film with lots of terrific performances, including Blatty's own as just another lunatic in the asylum. Scott Wilson, Jason Miller, Ed Flanders, and George Dicenzo are/were elements of Blatty's little repertory company of actors. They all have eyes that seem to speak to the heart, which makes each actor's casting perfect for their respective parts. Stacey Keach is basically a still point in the turning world around him, and his function isn't one of individual character so much as the character of the film itself. This is one to buy. Don't bother renting it, because you'll want the thing, and why take the second trip?

I have seen this movie more times than I can count, and have found that it gains something EACH AND EVERY time I view it. I am still astounded that it hasn't received the recognition it deserves. I can't recall another film, ever, that has held up so well on repeat viewing or that has affected me as much as this one has.

The Ninth Configuration (1980) was William Peter Blatty's directorial debut. He adapts his own novel for the big screen in this bizarre film about an astronaut (Scott Wilson) who's reached his breaking point and a military doctor (Stacy Keach) who's trying to reach out to him. The cast has a who's who of Hollywood cast-offs (William Peter Blatty has a cameo himself as one of the patients). This is a strange film that'll cause you to think (if you don't enjoy these type of films then I suggest you look elsewhere). An interesting movie about things that aren't as they seem, soul searching and seeking redemption through honor and self sacrifice. I liked the way these people have to look into themselves and see who or what they really are. I wished that William Peter Blatty made more movies and Hollywood should have gave Stacy Keach more film roles like these. He was quite impressive. I have to to highly recommend this movie. But if you're expecting some mainstream popcorn nonsense then look elsewhere.

Well, well, well. At last a rating I can fully agree with. Yes, the Shawshank Redemption was very good. But this is a hidden classic. If you're one of those people (like me) who loves to be taken completely by surprise by a movie, this is the one for you. The IMDB rating says it all: VERY few people know about this one, but those who do are nearly unanimous: this is outstanding storytelling. First time viewers, be warned: be patient. Let it happen. You won't know where it's going at first. Your patience will be rewarded, I assure you - it all comes together, culminating in a bar-room brawl that is an absolute textbook piece of tension-building. And then, you'll want to rewind it and watch it all over again, to pick out all the clues that slipped by you the first time through. Quentin Tarantino, eat your heart out: THIS is how it's supposed to be done.

I watched the first 45 minutes of this garbage and turned the set off just before I fell out of my chair into a deep sleep. All that was going on was a bunch of military rejects were running around in a castle somewhere acting stupid. No purpose to this drivel, just a string of really dull dialogue and silliness. -4 stars.

I like a lot of strange and different films that beat to different drums, or make you think about existential problems, insanity, space, God, humanity, the occult, etc. However, I just can't get into this film. With a 7 rating, and involving the man behind the Exorcist, Stacy Keach, etc. I expected this to be a very interesting and perhaps scary or poignant film. I was very disappointed-- in fact, so bored and disappointed that I couldn't even finish the last few minutes without going to sleep. The introduction of the movie, the silliness of it, the unrealistic behavior of the men and the military officers in charge, and the lack of ANYTHING exciting, funny, or mysterious-- just kills this movie. They try to be esoteric and enlightening(with scenes like Jesus on a cross on the moon, or the guy smashing atoms to walk through walls), but most of this movie falls flat. It needs more of a plot, more realism, a better setup, deeper characters, more action, and more suspense or fear to really make a mark. It fails on almost all cylinders for me, and I like WEIRD movies... I give a couple stars for trying, and for some decent actors.

Two stars given only for the interesting dream sequences. Just because a film has characters discussing God, man's evolution and the problem of evil, doesn't make it deep or profound. This sophomoric effort is far less clever than it thinks it is and drags on for far too long, with the overall effect being to bore the viewer. Movie snobs like to champion this deservedly unknown film as being too highbrow for the popcorn crunching masses, however they are wrong. It's just bad. If you want to see philosophy and religion done properly at the movies go see 2001, Waking Life, Last Temptation of Christ or Tree of Life and give this dated turkey a wide berth.

I don't want to discuss about technical aspects, my comment focuses on the absence of any deep meaning in this work, because I think this movie is a little bit overrated. Is it the metaphor of something? I tried to understand it very carefully, but I didn't find any trace of symbols. The dialogs are not funny and are not profound, they seem only pointless and pretentious. The psychiatric experiment in itself is totally unbelievable for the large amount of energy and money used, and the serious risks implied. The friendship between Cutshaw and Kane is too fast and superficial, and that's why his death is not a dramatic event. The scene at the bar is a very mediocre representation of stereotypes. You cannot say how evil is the "normal" human race, watching a band of drunk bullies. This poor scene is made to raise - very easily - the rage of the audience. It wants to hit below the belt, not inducing any reflection.... so, whose side are you on, Blatty? But the most important point is: why a man who commits suicide has to be considered a hero, a martyr, a saint? That's the point. 1) A disturbed man doesn't do it intentionally, he is forced by his illness. 2) Someone thinks it's an altruistic action dying for a simple demonstration? I don't think so. 3) He says: "I'm tired of living". OK, so dying is selfish. This makes no sense. No, sorry: it's stupid. Someone found God or any sort of illumination watching this movie? I don't think so, because it is a fraudulent and messy juxtaposition of strong themes (madness, sacrifice, friendship), but empty of any artistic synthesis. (Sorry for my poor English)