9 SONGS

In the special features section of the '9 Songs' DVD, actress Margo Stilley makes passing mention of the script for the film - and that is the biggest surprise in or around the movie. It's nearly unfathomable that a script existed at all. The story, if one feels generous enough to call it that, is made up entirely of the following: Matt and Lisa live in London. They go to a bunch of rock shows and have a lot of sex. Lisa leaves for America and Matt goes to Antarctica. Roll credits.

'9 Songs' has made a name for itself for two reasons. First, it contains live concert clips of some famous (for the indie rock world, at least) bands such as Franz Ferdinand, Super Furry Animals, and the Von Bondies. Secondly, the sex in the film is real and explicitly shown. Those who watch the movie for either reason will no doubt walk away disappointed. The concert footage is terribly shot, and the bands' songs are cut short every time. The sex scenes are neither erotic nor thought-provoking.

Proponents of the film talk about a careful study of the rise and fall of a relationship through the actions in the bedroom. Applying this level of thought to a movie so barren, however, is like seeing God's face in a Rice Krispie treat - it may sell on ebay, but you're fooling yourself.

Any person's need for sex and rock and roll would be far better served by turning on a radio and renting pornography. '9 Songs' fails as music video, titillation, and engaging story. Thankfully, it is nearly as forgettable as it is pointless.

NO (1/10)