I think the film contains good suspense and tension overall. Yet I could not help but noticing similarities with the movie The Name of the Rose, with Sean Connery (1986). 666666 "Minor spoilers ahead" 666666 Incidently both of them are more or less detective stories with a focus on a book connected with evil and danger. They also share a plot in which the characters who develop a close interest in the book die one after another. Besides, the two movies contain numerous references to black magic, supernatural and mystery (secret places, sudden fires, burning books...).
Considering the quality of the plot, the directing and acting in The Name of the Rose or other thrillers (Hitchcock, Clouzot), I realise that although enjoyable the Ninth Gate has flaws, like a lack of attention to details and too much vagueness. However,it avoids becoming corny by leaving some freedom to the imagination (like at the end, by not showing you-know-who).
Considering the quality of the plot, the directing and acting in The Name of the Rose or other thrillers (Hitchcock, Clouzot), I realise that although enjoyable the Ninth Gate has flaws, like a lack of attention to details and too much vagueness. However,it avoids becoming corny by leaving some freedom to the imagination (like at the end, by not showing you-know-who).