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9½ Weeks (1986)
Rate:
10
Viewed:
5/06, 6/07, 2/09, 4/12, 6/15
5/06:
When I read the reviews in a stunned amazement after finishing 9½ Weeks, I'm dismayed by the low opinions of this
underrated and misunderstood motion picture.
It's an absolute classic and the most sexual I've ever seen. Starting with Kim Basinger, she has never acted this well before
or since then. Her characterization of Elizabeth is dead-on because she plays an innocent, curious seeker who can't foresee
how psychologically damaging the aftermath will be.
Mickey Rourke practically steals the film every scene he appears in. John's mysteriousness makes his character a compelling
piece of work, forcing the relationship between these two to suffer from his dangerous psychological games. As a result, the
buildup of tension through mind games brings a great deal of strain for Elizabeth, who becomes confused by the direction of
their relationship which will lead to the unforgettable ending, although the passion and chemistry
between them can melt a bowl of ice cream within seconds.
What makes 9½ Weeks great is how much more meaningful and powerful it is than
Last Tango in Paris.
Marlon Brando admitted he had neither an idea what it was all about nor a clue of what he was doing in it. But in
9½ Weeks, everybody feels a purpose by preparing themselves for the psychological sexual journey of feelings.
As sensually wild and exhilarating as 9½ Weeks is, the greatest assets are: the notion of "less is more,"
the control of subtlety, the cinematography, the limitations of getting know to each other, and the depth of the mysteriousness
within John. Ultimately, he, being a paradoxically sexy figure, is the most singular importance to the film's success.
All in all, 9½ Weeks is the number one erotic picture ever made.
6/07:
9½ Weeks features two outstanding performances by Mickey Rourke and Kim Basinger.
The sexual masterpiece, from a psychological standpoint, brings forth a profound misunderstanding to the audience of how a
lustful fling works that's based on impulse and fear. It's because most had never experienced it. The movie depicts neither
mind nor body control but rather explores how far a couple will go to the point of triggering a confusion of feelings.
9½ Weeks' director Adrian Lynne does a masterful job...too masterful that he'll try again and again but
fail to recapture the same feeling in later films. I think a great deal of the success came primarily from Zalman King,
especially how the sex scenes were shot.
Playing the mysterious John, Mickey Rourke has the Brando quality about him as evidenced by the ending when, in fear of losing
Elizabeth, his character suddenly became real. At the same time, her vulnerability shows she's tired of the games and feels
forced to walk through the door and out of his life forever. What sets 9½ Weeks apart from soft pornos and trashy
romantic films is the sex scenes are not what it's about but the subtlety of feelings and emotions, hence the perfect
ending.
All in all, to understand why Mickey Rourke was one of the best actors ever during the 80's is to see 9½ Weeks.
2/09:
Is there a more puzzling and mysterious character than John?
When I think of his desperate attempt to win back Elizabeth in the final few minutes as he starts showing vulnerability, it
demonstrates the brilliance of 9½ Weeks. The psychological games, the exhilarating sense of danger, the cascade of
tests, the manipulation, the subtle shaping of obedience, the sex without love, and the confusion of feelings all spell doom
in the relationship between John and Elizabeth. Hence, Mickey Rourke is remarkable by pushing Kim Basinger to the very limits
that she has never done better work since then.
All in all, 9½ Weeks is a cinematic masterpiece of unbridled romance, sex, and feelings only to be undone by a
complicated set of basic human needs.
4/12:
9½ Weeks is the number one sexiest picture made.
6/15:
9½ Weeks still holds up well.