The Numerology of 9

A look at Tim Burton's futuristic film populated by Numerology

Based on the Numerology of Hanz Decoz

At first blush, 9 has the signature style of producer Tim Burton: its "stitchpunk" stars are doll-like creatures that look like they just stepped out of 'The Nightmare Before Christmas,' and each has had an Edward Scissorhands-style "birth": they were all created in the attic of an eccentric scientist who had high hopes for what his living experiments could achieve.

But while this epic CGI thrill ride is voiced by a Hollywood A-list cast, the addition of one uncredited star marks an unusual turn for a Burton project: divination is the unsung hero in 9! Consider the film's central character, an underdog who rallies his fellow stitchpunks to come out of hiding, band together and fight evil robots intent on their destruction, so the 'punks can achieve a better world. It's no coincidence he's named 9 -- it's Numerology!

In Numerology, every number has its own specific personality and unique characteristics, and in 9, each stitchpunk is also named after a digit. The title character is aptly-named after the number of the humanitarian, but how well do his brothers (and sister) in arms live up to their numbers? From an aging patriarch called 1 to a protective brute known as 8, we take a deeper look at each of 9's comrades:

1

As the oldest of the pack, this stitchpunk has seen better days, but he's maintained his claim as alpha-punk by keeping his wits about him, emphasizing his number's knack for leadership. His temper and determination propel him forward (despite his advancing age), and 1 often relies on his number's comfort with taking risks about living in the wasteland. Although he has reservations about trusting newbie stitchpunk 9, 1 ultimately falls back on his number's decisive, pragmatic approach to life, and he's willing to welcome 9 into the ragtag fold. 1 is a true 1.

2

While 1 has fire in his belly, fellow elder stitchpunk 2 is more thoughtful, easily entranced by his wasteland surroundings and far more interested in inventing and repairing things than he is in leading the pack. His grandfatherly aura reflects his number's warm and friendly nature, and his battered body and failing sight highlight another of his number's characteristics: vulnerability. 2 is a definite 2.

3 & 4

The twin switchpunks operate as a unit, enthusiastically exploring their strange new world and taking in as much knowledge as they can. From a numerological perspective, 3 and 4 are very true to the 3 personality: this skiddish duo shows a 3 level of energy in their lust for learning and, in true 3 form, subsist on a very optimistic outlook on life, even with so much destruction and danger around them. However, 4 is a misnomer, because in Numerology, the number 4 hints at a grounded and stable personality, someone who has little to no imagination. On the contrary, switchpunks 3 and 4 think and communicate in images, often turning their eyes into film projectors as a way to communicate with the outside world. 3 & 4 are true 3s, but hardly 4s.

The Numerology of the Movie 9 | Tarot.com -- Continued »