MovieChat Forums > The Ninth Configuration (1980) Discussion > Stacy Keach and this film just...WOW

Stacy Keach and this film just...WOW

posted 15 years ago by sgraf_x
11 replies | jump to latest

What an amazing and unforgettable performance he gives in this film. Its his finest work, imho. He just plays against type so well here. His performance is so subtle and reserved, not what you would usually expect from the big guy.

I rented this film basically to check out WP Blattys directing chops (being a fan of his work in Exorcist 3) and I really wasnt expecting very much. So I was pleasantly surprised by what is by all accounts this forgotten and hidden gem.

8/10

There is NO Gene for the Human Spirit.

[–] WarpedRecord 15 years ago

I watched this film for the same reason – interest in William-Peter Blatty's work – and I expected this to be a rather standard war thriller, but I was floored at how imaginative and unpredictable this film was. I was also stunned by Stacy Keach's sensitive and daring performance. Before this, I knew him mainly from "Mike Hammer" and the Cheech & Chong films, but he completely carries off the lead here.

This is an overlooked gem, and I also gave it 8/10 stars.

[–] sgraf_x 15 years ago

I know right? Glad to hear you liked it. This kind of film is the reason I scour through titles looking for something interesting and every once in a while you hit paydirt. When you do its like finding buried treasure.

There is NO Gene for the Human Spirit.

[–] WarpedRecord 15 years ago

Indeed. I'm always searching in clearance bins and thrift stores for unusual and obscure films. A lot of titles are there for a reason, but occasionally I find a gem that makes it all worthwhile. I'm so glad that the previous owner saw fit to unload this, because I would not have known about it otherwise.

[–] pazuzu9 15 years ago

I agree,

Stacy Keach was great in this film.

I just got it from Netflix. I don't think I've watched this movie since the early 80's

From the sounds of it, it was probably a different version I saw back then.

I'm glad I got this DVD. I'm listening to the commentary now.

http://fallaciousarguments.notlong.com/

[–] sgraf_x 15 years ago

Thats where I got it too. From what I have read there are supposedly several different cuts but I think that one is the longest one. Either way I liked that version just fine and dont feel the need to see the others ya know?

I didnt listen to the commentary but I was wondering if Blatty says anything about this being a true sequel to The Exorcist? I dont see how it could be but in the info section of this page it says he said that....I kinda figured he was just trying to get people to see it when it was released.

There is NO Gene for the Human Spirit.

[–] pazuzu9 15 years ago

I was wondering if Blatty says anything about this being a true sequel to The Exorcist?

Yes, He presented this film to WB as a sequel, but they wouldn't go for it.

So we got the Heretic instead...Yippee!

http://fallaciousarguments.notlong.com/

[–] sgraf_x 15 years ago

The Heretic is absolutely one of the worst movies ever made and it is the worst sequel ever! But I do not see how this could have been a sequel....do you?

There is NO Gene for the Human Spirit.

[–] pazuzu9 15 years ago

Well, Blatty refers to The Exorcist, Ninth Configuration & Legion as the trilogy of faith.

Other than having the astronaut from The Exorcist(a minor character), in Ninth Configuration, I don't see much connection between the first two movies.

Have you looked at the Ninth Configuration website?

Check it out: http://www.theninthconfiguration.com/

http://fallaciousarguments.notlong.com/

[–] sgraf_x 15 years ago

I loved Exorcist 3 but I aint buying it. The Ninth Config just does not fit into that trilogy. Too bad Blatty hasnt directed more I liked both of his films very much. I got a feeling he must be a pain to the studios....oh well nice talking to ya.
BTW I just got done watching Bad Boy Bubby...it was really good and not mainstream. You should check it out if you havent all ready.

There is NO Gene for the Human Spirit.

[–] pazuzu9 15 years ago

I was just checking Bad Boy Bubby at Netflix.

It looks interesting.

http://fallaciousarguments.notlong.com/

[–] sgraf_x 15 years ago

Oh it was totally interesting and Nicholas Hope gives a stunning performance. Its not one I will forget.

There is NO Gene for the Human Spirit.