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Initially, I thought it might have been a stylistic decision to suit the surroundings of this film set in a bar – and it came across through the use of flashbacks, or maybe it was a lens distinction, or even some effect applied in post – but when it comes to experiencing “Nine Ball”, there isn’t much clarity eluding to any of the options described above. Out of all those options, I’d wager on stylized choices. However, many ideas, approaches and methods seem to be at play to unravel this tale we are witnessing on the screen. The only concern here is whether those improper visuals make “Nine Ball” a degree or two less appealing to the ordinary viewer, which, honestly speaking, it might be. From my end, I do have strong hopes that people would get through it because “Nine Ball” is rich with great narrative.
In addition to this, “Nine Ball” has some great features that might be enough to overcome any visual concerns that one might see when looking at it. As we see the group of friends playing pool for hours on end, the conversations going on certainly proves to be one of the most dominant components of the film and even some good acting talents have been put in the mix. You may recognize a few of the more established names from the group, such as Kenny Johnson from ‘The Shield’ or Bates Motel, and James Ingersoll from Olympus has fallen, as both portray the character Nicky at separate times in the character’s life. Other names that get a decent mention are Allen Schneider (Doug), Eugene Williams (Bob), and Steven Benjamin Wise (Cooper) as they all make great contributions towards the role they’ve been casted in, but regardless of all the visual distortion, this can be said for pretty much everybody you will encounter. The conversations and quality of narration is remarkably informal, making it sound like two people are having a private discussion at the pub where one is reliving all the memorable moments of life with his friends.
Given that I’m an avid follower of Johnson’s work, I admit, that was also perfect bait for me. I have watched every single episode of “The Shield”, and I know he was a big part of the reason I feel that “Bates Motel” was as successful as it was. Dude’s always had shorter hair in what I’ve seen him in prior. When actually, I wasn’t entirely sure it was Johnson; but for real, you can’t mistake that voice he’s got for anything other than the original article. And I was in complete awe of the fact, that in many frames of the childhood tales, one can catch the glimpse of the older version of Nicky – it is as if he is present in the room and witnessing his life unfold in front of him: even mingling with his childhood friends – all brilliant concepts.
I have to say, this narrative has quite the multitude of stylistic enhancements, ranging from slow-motion shots, sped up scenes, some cross cutting, and even strobe lights during important scenes. The world we live in is presented to us in black and white while the past is portrayed in color – which I appreciated, it seems to be the opposite the other way around for most movies that use multiple timelines. Although I might be quite harsh on how clear of a picture we paint, when it comes to the concept and the fashion in which Donald Jarman as a writer, and Victor Bevin as director, decided to construct this story, and their clarity considering the amount of alcohol used in this movie is truly incredible. It’s an engaging film if we get right down to it… we are basically sitting with Nicky having different versions of a very significant night in his life trying to make sense of what transpired. Whenever you receive a film that intends to depict this type of story, the entirety of the dialogue as well as the acting becomes incredibly important.
If I may add, I felt as though these two aspects of “Nine Ball” were very solid that I began to wonder if this particular movie had to make an effort to change the visuals in some way. Special effects, skills, and gimmicks are good, in all the Marvel movies and the like, but when you have like an excellent tale to tell in a great Drama, then I would say, it’s highly debatable that almost no effects are necessary at all. I feel the same way about motion pictures as feel about songs which incorporate effects in them – if it is something which the situation demands – which actually improves the experience, then good. If it does not, or even if you are leaning towards that opinion, most likely you should keep it basic and not bother with the effects. So I confess – I was quite indecisive about the visuals of “Nine Ball” – the storyline is amazing, the dialogues are great, and even the way that it is shot is great, too, shot by shot. Still, it’s really difficult to argue for lack of such clarity especially when it is something that this movie’s aspect happens to roll over the entire thing.
I appreciate that this film at least attempted something new, and while they definitely succeeded at trying something new, I’m not sure it was executed was as well as it could have been. We all put off things we should scratch, but for me, I’ve always had the mindset that it’s more honorable to take the risk, rather than not trying and wondering what could have been achieved. The storytelling of ‘Nine Ball‘ together with its ensemble cast truly makes this movie. It makes me feel like the film had some visible shortcomings, but that feeling gets quietened realizing that Bevin is good at the craft that interests him. It’s admirable how much effort he’s invested in this project. He has done a lot with different angles of the story, including the way the story is told and the many attempts he’s made stylistically in these shots we see from inside the bar. He has attempted to go beyond the normal for drama films, and I sincerely respect him for that.
Not that he would consider my words, but all I could say is attune yourselves to the competition as much as possible and just ensure that on the screen, what we have is a reliable feat of the actual strengths. With “Nine Ball,” and this is only my opinion, it would have sufficed to display the characters and the dialogue in a more straightforward manner. Yet, there are directors like Bevin who always have the willingness to go out of the box and change things from being ordinary… I am sure that’s the kind of visionary risk taking that is good in the long game.
So I hope it doesn’t sound as if I am whining. I’m quite gladly ready to give “Nine Ball” a decent four stars out of five and even I would concede that for what would have otherwise been a straightforward Drama, Bevin smartly built the expectations around the abilities of his performers – in addition to some great writing, to get the impressive results that we all enjoy. To be honest, from the visual stand point, I think he has gone above and beyond any expectations I may have had. “Nine Ball” definitely stands out as a great work of fiction.
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