9 Songs is a British film that was directed by Michael Winterbottom. It was released in 2004 and sparked controversy due to its graphic depiction of sexual acts and nudity. The film has a runtime of 71 minutes and features only two main characters - Matt (played by Kieran O'Brien) and Lisa (played by Margo Stilley).
The story follows the relationship between Matt and Lisa as they attend concerts and engage in sexual activities. The narrative is presented as a series of flashbacks as Matt is shown in Antarctica, where he works as a glaciologist. He reflects on his past experiences with Lisa and how their relationship developed over time.
Throughout the film, there are nine live-concert songs featured. These are performed by various artists, including Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, The Dandy Warhols, and Primal Scream. The concerts serve as a backdrop for Matt and Lisa's relationship, and the music echoes their emotions and the mood of each scene.
9 Songs received mixed reviews upon release, with some critics praising its realism and frank depiction of sexual encounters, while others found it shocking and exploitative. Despite the controversy, the film gained a cult following and is still regarded as a notable example of explicit cinema.