Click to read the article
Revolution No. 9 (2002)
Tomatometer
How does the Tomatometer work ![]()
Reviews Counted:25
Fresh:19
Rotten:6
Average Rating:6.5/10
Rated: Not Rated
Genre: Dramas
Theatrical Release:Nov 15, 2002 Limited
Synopsis: James Jackson (Michael Risley) is a handsome 27-year-old New Yorker suffering from an increasingly serious case of psychotic paranoia. He is presented in extreme close-up, with no room to breathe,... James Jackson (Michael Risley) is a handsome 27-year-old New Yorker suffering from an increasingly serious case of psychotic paranoia. He is presented in extreme close-up, with no room to breathe, by director Tim McCann, who keeps the intensity of REVOLUTION NO. 9 on a high level to its very last second. Jackson's fiancee, Kim Kelly (Adrienne Shelly), a perky blond waitress in a chic downtown bar, is so utterly in love with him despite his frightful mental deterioration, that she also seems crazy. In fact, much of the movie is a puzzle over who's really losing it--him, her, or both of them at once. It all begins when Jackson announces to Kim's family that they are engaged to be married. Kim's overprotective father and brother are outraged and fear for her safety. While this seems strange and unfair, Jackson's behavior the next day--accusing coworkers of moving things on his desk, blaming Kim's nephew for sending him cryptic coded e-mails, and insisting that he is the target of an elaborate experiment--is the proof that the family's instincts are right. From there, Jackson travels a wild downhill descent into madness, with Kim chasing along making bad decisions that only exacerbate the situation. [More]
Starring: Michael Risley, Adrienne Shelly, Spalding Gray, Callie Thorne
Starring: Michael Risley, Adrienne Shelly, Spalding Gray, Callie Thorne, Michael Rodrick, Sakina Jaffrey, Anthony Arkin
Director: Tim McCann
Director: Tim McCann
Screenwriter: Tim McCann
Producer: Tim McCann, Shannon Goldman
Composer: Douglas J. Cuomo
Get This Movie
Reviews for Revolution No. 9
[T]he film is never sure to make a clear point – even if it seeks to rely on an ambiguous presentation.
The intense and penetrating performances of Risley and Shelly focus on the human costs of a mental illness. But the film, while grounded in reality, seems to rush to an abrupt conclusion.
There is a strong directorial stamp on every frame of this stylish film that is able to visualize schizophrenia but is still confident enough to step back and look at the sick character with a sane eye.
Even through its flaws, Revolution #9 proves to be a compelling, interestingly told film.
You get the feeling that the filmmakers did their homework and that they’re here to represent a harsh reality."
A strong and confident work which works so well for the first 89 minutes, but ends so horrendously confusing in the final two
Appropriately cynical social commentary aside, #9 never quite ignites.
The characterizations and dialogue lack depth or complexity, with the ironic exception of Scooter.
Strong stuff, minus the upbeat sentimentality of last year's Oscar-winner. In that respect, it may be an even more important film.
So riddled with unanswered questions that it requires gargantuan leaps of faith just to watch it plod along.
If we sometimes need comforting fantasies about mental illness, we also need movies like Tim McCann's Revolution No. 9.
| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie |
|---|---|
| 44% 44% | Night at the Museum: B… |
| 32% 32% | Terminator Salvation |
| 36% 36% | Angels & Demons |
| 95% 95% | Star Trek |
| 25% 25% | Four Christmases |
| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie |
|---|---|
| 88% 88% | Inglourious Basterds |
| 78% 78% | The Hangover |
| 49% 49% | Taking Woodstock |
| 26% 26% | The Goods: Live Hard, Sell Hard |
| 47% 47% | The Girl From Monaco |
RT On Current TV
DIRECTV 358 | Comcast 107 | DISH Network 196 | More...
What’s Hot On RT
Other News
CloseSponsored Links
Around The Network
- Revolution No. 9 at Rotten Tomatoes
- Revolution No. 9 at AskMen
Fresh Links
Featured

Techland lists the best Sci-Fi films of this decade.

Moviefone takes a look back at the biggest stinkers of the past 10 years.

The Me and Orson Welles star answers reader questions on TIME.com.

Hollywood.com's C. Robert Cargill offers his thoughts on what the best decade for film was.

In the AV Club's "Scenic Routes," Mike D'Angelo reminisces about the Tim Burton film.
Promos

Get the latest Tomatometer updates on upcoming movies!



Top Critic


