Nine Queens

“Nine Queens” is an Argentinean film that portrays many of the global trends of modern film. The contrast between the haves and have-nots is clearly portrayed in this film. Some may even suggest the presence of a class system, based on the contrast between the two main characters and the rich man who buys their stamps, Vidal Gandolfo. Starting from the beginning of the film, the gas station shows how global economies have grown. The items stocked in the gas station convenience store are universally recognizable products, such as Coca-Cola and whatnot. The costuming and make up in this film hints at the economic situations of the characters, with the main characters dress modestly and the hotel workers and guests dressed more elaborately. The make up helps reinforce the image that the main character is a “nice guy”; his face is kept perpetually clean and ruddy. The plot within the plot is a setting within a setting. You could say that the mise en scene of the outer plot was actually what was going on in the film. The title of the movie is a bit misleading, in that you expect something more regal. The characters, however, are all working class.
The themes presented in this movie are universally relatable. Morals that our parents helped us establish, like “stealing is wrong” or “do onto others what you would have them do onto you.” Contrary to American heist films, there wasn’t as much action; “Nine Queens” leads us to believe that heists aren’t all about violence. The main character’s tricks are all mind tricks and sleight of hand. You can go through and identify the psychological elements being used. The actors are acting within the movie and constantly pulling mind tricks on one another. In the end we see the establishment of the romantic ideals of the western world surface. “The good guy always wins.”