Illusion, magic, trickery, sleight of hand….these are at the very heart of film, the phrase “movie magic” is not a misnomer. The Illusionist, Writer-Director Neil Burger’s lastest conjuring, is based in part on Steven Millhauser’s short story “Eisenheim the Illusionist” and plays up this aspect of film-making throughout its almost 2 hour run time. Is anything what it seems?
From the opening credits to those at the end this film revels in the knowlege that all is illusion. The Illusionist is both entertaining and a joy to behold, a perfect end-of-summer/beginning of autumn treat. In a year in which filmgoers have been repeatedly fooled by bright lights and empty promises , The Illusionist is a film that not only delivers fantastic performances from phenomenal actors but gives them a story from which to act.
The setting is turn-of-the-century Vienna. Crown Prince Leopold (Rufus Sewell) is in line to take the throne and has plans to wed Princess Sophie (Jessica Biel) despite indications that she may not be in favor of such a match. Into the city comes master magician Eisenheim the Illusionist, whose bag of tricks soon has the attention of the whole city, including Chief Inspector Uhl (Paul Giamatti). Past connections with Princess Sophie and his growing popularity within the city cause Leopold to ally himself against Eisenheim. Caught in the middle between his obligations to the Crown Prince and his desire to do the right thing, Chief Inspector Uhl must get to the bottom of the many mysteries presented to him.
Edward Norton shines as the illusionist of the title, one Eisenheim. From his opening appearance Norton embodies this magician and has the viewer under his spell. With a quiet, intense look Norton does more to connect with the audience both on screen and in front of the screen than many an actor could do with book full of words. Jessica Biel, my one concern going into the film, proves that she can make you forget both her 7th Heaven and recent action star roles. Biel looks and acts the part to period-piece perfection. Rufus Sewell proves once again that he is more than adequate to play the villain of the piece. As the plotting Crown Prince Leopold he too does as much acting with his eyes as he does with his lines. The true magician, however, is Paul Giamatti. Each and every film I have seen him in over the last few years convinces me that he is simply the best working today and why he has not gotten more recognition is a travesty. He is riviting on screen.
The film itself is also a prominent character on-screen. I love the way this movie was shot. The opening credits resemble those of the early 20th century silent films and that look, of flickering gaslight and sepia tones, pervades the entire film and gives it just the dark, unsettling presence that this story requires. The scenes within the theatre where Eisenheim performs, especially in the later half of the film, are by far the best. The intensity and air of expectation in these scenes is palpable. Filmed on location in Prague, the exterior shots are lavish and create a rich, historic atmosphere. The costumes are also fantastic. It isn’t often in period films that I look at the outfits and wish I could dress in a similar fashion but I couldn’t take my eyes off of Edward Norton’s outfits. Very classy. Not since The Others has there been a film with such a well done gothic look. The Illusionist is simply beautiful.
This was the perfect way to open the final quarter of films for 2006. The cooler-than-normal temperatures combined with cloudy skies and a day spent reading gothic fiction had me in just the right frame of mind for The Illusionist to work its magic. It is not a film without faults. The opening flashback scenes felt a bit forced and the end reveal might have been edited ever so slightly but other than those complaints I really enjoyed this film. Historical romance, intrigue, mystery, illusion….this film has it all.
The real magic of The Illusionist is that half-way through the film you may not be entirely fooled, however, you will spend the rest of the film watching, as does Chief Inspector Uhl, to see just exactly how the trick is performed.
Wow. I hadn’t heard of this film before. Maybe it doesn’t come out over here for a while. But it will definitely be on my to to watch list. Love the poster/picture at the top. Also, I love Rufus Sewell as bad guys. He was so perfect in A Knights Tale.
Oh yes, I’m really looking forward to this…!
The first movie I saw Sewell in was Dark City, which I really like, and he was the good guy in that. Since then its been all bad guys, at least in what I’ve seen. He does do a really good job playing the baddies.
Oh, I remember Dark City. Thanks for reminding me about it, I’ve been meaning for ages to rent it. . We recorded it off TV, but left off the last half hour because the times we had weren’t right. that was really annoying, but Ioved what I had seen. I should really get around to renting it.
Its a great film and, at least over here, is now super cheap on DVD. Usually can find it for 6 dollars, American.
My favourite Sewell film is The Knight’s Tale (again a villain) where is absolutely horrible, it’s great. Favourite Sewell thing of all time though – the recent BBC adaptation of The Taming Of the Shrew. Lovely, lovely piece of drama. Dunno if you’d be able to get it in the States, but it turns up or is downloadable, do give it a watch!
I’m not really a movie person but this one looks interesting to me.
How can you not be a movie person Suzanne considering your addiction to pop culture? We’ve got to convert you!
I will keep my eye open for Taming of the Shrew. It is sure to make it this way on DVD sooner or later.
Oh man. I am always so behind the times when it comes to movies, as I never get to see them at the theater, but this sounds great! Not only set in Vienna (one of my most favorite places), but Rufus, too! What more can you ask for. Thanks for the heads up on this!
I used to enjoy movies but then it seemed that more and more of them were just garbage. Then there’s the whole thing about all the germs in theaters so if I watch a movie I wait until it comes to PPV. Even the last drive-in theater in the region (just outside of town) closed last fall so that’s no longer an option.
There is alot of garbage, no doubt about that. But every year there are still a fair number of big budget, and independent, and foreign films that are very good and just have to be seen. Even if it means PPV or rental. Your sister, who has good movie taste of her own, can attest to the fact that Mary and I have treated her to some very wonderful offerings over the years.
We saw it this weekend too and loved it. I pretty much figured I would though as I’m a huge fan of period pieces. I also thought the music was perfect.
I also enjoyed the film a lot. It was a wonderful film to kick off the fall movie season. Paul Giamatii steals the show again. Here’s looking ahead to The Prestige, The Fountain, and Casino Royale.
i’ve hated Biel in everything she’s done.. that’s the one drawback for me.
so i might wait till this goes to video.
I don’t think you’d mind her in this. She isn’t in it as much as the other characters and she really looks the part and her acting isn’t bad.
I love this movie! I just bought it yesterday. The actors were great. They made the characters believable. I loved the magic tricks and the initial love story that the movie is wrapped around. Loved it, own it!
Glad you enjoyed it, Amy. It really is an enjoyable film. I bought it right away when it came out on DVD just because it is such a fun, romantic film.