NINE QUEENS A film review by Steve Rhodes Copyright 2002 Steve Rhodes RATING (0 TO ****): ***
NINE QUEENS (NUEVE REINAS), by writer/director Fabián Bielinsky, is best described by what it almost is but isn't, David Mamet's classic crime caper, HOUSE OF GAMES. For those of you, like me, who love who's-scamming-whom stories, NINE QUEENS is thoroughly satisfying. As a writer, Bielinsky is no match for Mamet's mesmerizing, staccato dialog, but his story will keep you engrossed as you wait for the inevitable big twist. Along the way are several delicious smaller surprises.
As the movie opens, Juan (Gastón Pauls), a small time confidence man in his early twenties, is pulling a money con on a convenience store clerk. After netting some easy cash, he is lured into tempting fate by trying it again on a new clerk after a shift change. A wiser, older con man, Marcos (Ricardo Darín), happening to see the youngster about to go down for the count, rescues him by impersonating a cop with the help of a nearby toy gun. If Darín looks familiar to you, it's probably because he was the lead in the marvelous SON OF THE BRIDE, Argentina's Oscar nominee for best Foreign Language Film. Playing good guys or bad, he is a real charmer.
Marcos offers Juan a twist on the old "Queen for a Day" show. Marcos will let Juan be his partner for the day with the assumption that, if it works out, he might get the job permanently.
After a series of penny-ante cons, the two swindlers are given a "one in a million" opportunity, as Marcos excitedly calls it. It involves an extremely rare block of stamps called the nine queens and a rich scoundrel about to be deported. Most of the action happens at a modern hotel of glass, steel and marble, where Valeria (Leticia Brédice), Marcos's estranged sister, works. She loathes her brother and may or may not get in his way.
As the end approaches, the only question is who will be left holding the money. The final surprise may not be all that surprising, but it certainly is fun.
NINE QUEENS runs 1:54. The film is in Spanish with English subtitles. It is rated R for "language" and would be acceptable for kids around 12 and up.
The film is playing in nationwide release now in the United States. In the Silicon Valley, it is showing at the Camera Cinemas.
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