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The other really different element is that the film uses clay animation to tell the story. Little figures made of modeling clay were set in place, photographed, moved only a tiny bit, photographed again, until your brain hurts just to think about it. It's an admirable effort, though of course movement can never be entirely smooth, and subtly shifting facial expressions are more approximate than a human actor could have achieved. Does this add to the movie? Well, it makes it more curious an artifact, and you have to salute the exhausting effort required. But as to whether $9.99 might have been just as good, or better, filmed the usual way is an open question.

Tanita (Leeanna Walsman)

The title is the price of a book acquired by the reluctant repo man; he responded to an ad reading, "Have you ever wondered 'What's the meaning of life?' … The answer to this vexing question is now within your reach! You'll find it in this small yet amazing booklet … yours for a mere $9.99." Throughout the film, Dave attempts to share with other characters the amazing things he is learning—"People think life has only one meaning, but actually there are six!"—but no one wants to listen.

I'll admit that what intrigued me about the film was a desire to learn what the filmmakers think the meaning of life is. Like the magical realism, like the meticulous clay figures, this turns out to be one more element of a movie that dances and alludes without coming right down to anything, and invites us to believe that dancing and alluding is sufficient in itself. What is the meaning of $9.99?  You may think there's only one meaning, but—once you look past the glow of admiration surrounding the writer—it could be less.

Talk About It

1. The angel says that he wanted to see his wife in heaven, but after he killed himself he was turned into an angel instead. Is there still a common misunderstanding that people become angels after death? How would you talk about this with someone who finds the idea comforting?
   
   
2. Zack sets his piggy bank free, and it appears we are supposed to see that as a sweet conclusion to this strand of the story. But what is likely to happen to that coin-filled piggy bank? Do you think the filmmakers intend us to foresee that subsequent part of the story, or to pretend we don't?
   
   
3. Why does the policeman refuse to accept Mr. Cruller's confession? What do you make of his statement, "I'm sure that God forgives you"?
   
   

The Family Corner

$9.99 is rated R for language and brief sexuality and nudity. Although this film is animated, it is not for children. A suicide splashes blood over a passerby, twice. Two characters are shown nude and while having sex.

Photos © Australian Film Finance Corporation

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