9 Fingers

9 Fingers is a 2017 multilingual French drama thriller directed by F.J. Ossang. This cryptic and hypnotic noir film is a surrealistic admixture of cinema and literature that takes audiences on an intriguing narrative adventure, potentially leaving them in awe of its lingering complexity and depth. The movie stars Paul Hamy, Luc Catania, and Damien Bonnard among a broad ensemble of acclaimed actors delivering riveting performances.

At the beginning, we encounter Magloire (Paul Hamy), a man on the run from the law. Magloire, vagabond at heart, has no family, no responsibilities, and most importantly, no ambitions beyond surviving another day. Acting on instinct, he never stays in one place for long, moving from town to town, job to job. However, as he endeavors to escape the authorities and his past, a chance encounter with a criminal gang alters his course dramatically. Juxtaposed against the dark, poetic ambience of the film, his character subtly resonates with the audience, creating an ambiguity that pulls viewers deeper into the narrative.

The movie then evolves into an odyssey of sorts, as Magloire gets entangled in an unexpected criminal enterprise. After a sudden series of events, he becomes part of a gang attempting a seemingly impossible heist, a strange coalescence of noir elements and literary symbols that throw his life into tumult. Damien Bonnard and Luc Catania, as members of the gang, provide stellar performances that add depth to the narrative. Bonnard's character, for instance, is a man of many layers, shifting between villain and hero, while Catania portrays a member of the gang whose loyalty and motives are kept enigmatically hidden.

As the plot unfolds, 9 Fingers morphs into a treasure hunt that takes the ensemble into the open sea, aptly embodying the existential symbol of man against the wilderness. It feels like the characters are not only chasing a literal prize but also running towards or away from their destinies, fears, and hopes. Their quest, laden with moral ambiguities and existential questions, gives an intriguing arc to the storyline.

What makes this noir film particularly notable is the brilliant cinematography of Simon Roca that adds an exciting twist and a mysterious undertone to the story. The dimly lit scenes, minimalistic sets, and meticulous framing build up a stark, grim atmosphere befitting the film's themes. It also evokes a vintage vibe, reminiscent of classic French cinema. Simultaneously, the austere visual design, coupled with deeply atmospheric sound work, creates an immersive environment that invites the audience into the fantastical world of the story head-first.

Capping it off is the eerie musical score by the director himself, F.J. Ossang. His aural contributions, as a punk musician, add an extra layer of depth and mood-setting rivet, cleverly weaving together the visual and the narrative. The film's evocative and sonorous soundtrack accentuates the ambiguous tensions and surreal happenings that percolate throughout the narrative.

Also, it's worth noting that the film is multilingual, featuring French, English, and Portuguese. The use of multiple languages adds an extra dimension to the film, reflecting the global nature of crime and the multicultural character of the underworld.

Moreover, 9 Fingers showcases the director's appreciation of modernist cinema and reinvents traditional noir tropes in a manner that is unforgettable. The story, the characters, the visual narration, and the philosophical undertones pull viewers into a complex, introspective exploration of human nature and destiny.

In conclusion, 9 Fingers stands out as an exceptional specimen of film noir, presenting a complex mosaic of cinema and literature. With a gripping storyline, meticulous direction, and enthralling performances, the film has a transcendent effect that's hard to shake off long after the viewing. It's a must-watch for those who appreciate experimental, thought-provoking cinema that pushes the boundaries of conventional storytelling.