NINE: AN EARLY LOOK

NINE from choreographer-turned-director Rob Marshall, might not be opening until December 25, 2009 but here's a gorgeous shot photographer Annie Leibovitz got of the film's sexy female cast on-set last December. The photo can be found along with a fantastic write-up by Plum Sykes' (Bergdorf Blondes) in the November issue of Vogue (U.S.).

The musical is based on the life of Italian director Guido Contini played by the always excellent Daniel Day-Lewis. It is adapted from director Federico Fellini's acclaimed film 8½ and centers around the Contini's struggles to balance the many important women in his life in addition to some creative roadblocks he faces as a filmmaker reaching a midlife crisis. The Weinstein Company film boasts a female cast of Marion Cotillard, Nicole Kidman, Penélope Cruz, Judi Dench, Sophia Loren, Kate Hudson and recording artist Fergie.

In Sykes' write-up we learn many fun things about the cast. Apparently Cruz, Hudson and Fergie shared a flat together while filming and they would go on four hour eating binges after a rigorous day on-set. Fergie had to gain weight for the role of Contini's prostitute lover and ate strictly fried foods. And Cotillard had nothing but praise for Day-Lewis in saying that his technique inspired and brought out the best in the ladies. This coming from one Oscar winner to another.

As often is the case with all-star cast films, too many storylines can lead to muddiness, but I'm banking on this one being a winner. Although he is relatively new as a director, I am already a huge fan of Marshall's Oscar-winning CHICAGO and misguided Memoirs of a Geisha. Rob Marshall can do no wrong in my books. Can't wait.