The Illusionist (2006)

The Illusionist offers welcome proof that "arthouse" quality needn't be limited to the arthouses. Set in turn-of-the-century Vienna, this stately, elegant period film benefited from a crossover release in mainstream cinemas, and showed considerable box-office staying power--granted, teenage mallrats and lusty males may have been drawn to the allure of Seventh Heaven alumna Jessica Biel, who rises to the occasion with a fine performance. But there's equal appeal in the casting of Edward Norton and Paul Giamatti, who bring their formidable talents to bear on the intriguing tale of a celebrated magician named Eisenheim (Norton) whose stage performance offends the Crown Prince Leopold (Rufus Sewell), a vindictive lout who aims to marry Duchess Sophie (Biel), Eisenheim's childhood friend and now, 15 years later, his would-be lover. This romantic rivalry and Eisenheim's increasingly enigmatic craft of illusion are investigated by Chief Inspector Uhl (Giamatti), who's under Leopold's command and is therefore not to be trusted as Eisenheim and Sophie draw closer to their inevitable reunion. Cleverly adapted by director Neil Burger from Steven Millhauser's short story "Eisenheim the Illusionist," and boasting exquisite production values and a fine score by Philip Glass, The Illusionist is the kind of class act that fully deserved its unusually wide and appreciative audience. --Jeff Shannon Amazon.com

Wow!

My husband received 2 copies of The Dark Knight for Christmas. He took one copy back and came home with The Illusionist! At first I had no interest in watching it. I settled down and thought i would give it a chance. Wow - it has quickly become my favorite movie! Edward Norton is mesmerizing as Eisenheim! It is one of the best movies I have seen - I am not quite sure why i am only now discovering it, (December 2008), but i am glad I did! December 29, 2008

"Now You See It, Now You Don't. . ."

Oh, what an excellent little film. We are led through scenes of hauntingly beautiful period vignettes. The eerieness of the illusionist's performances, and the back story of suspense and romance. We are kept spellbound until the final illusion. Edward Norton is mysterious and hypnotizing as the illusionist, Eisenhiem. The political climate of Vienna and the eccentricities of Crown Prince Leopold rachet up the intrigue. This is another artist's movie. If you are an artist you will not be disappointed. If you are not, you probably won't be either. Which hand will you seek to look under? December 16, 2008

Well done!!

It came to me very quickly and I was happy at the timing and condition of my services. December 16, 2008

Exceptional Filmmaking

One could call it a period film, perhaps a gothic romance, and old-fashioned, and all these would be compliments for The Illusionist, which gives the idea of "great film storytelling" meaning. Director Neil Burger makes The Illusionist more than just a story though, taking on an artistic quality that transcends typical filmmaking. Brilliant atmosphere, authentic characters, a great script, beautiful scenery, and a wonderful music score make this one a gem.

One of the film's interesting aspects is just the allegorical quality that emerges. It's much more than a thriller, mystery, or period film about love and magic. Eisenheim's crushed hopes of love in childhood are given a second chance, and this plays into the theme of rekindling lost love, giving the film a parable-like quality. Illusion-- the subject of what is real and what is not--is a central idea in not only the story's premise, but the film's dénouement at the finish. For this reason, you can't take everything at "face value" - supernatural and mystery play a major role in the building of Eisenheim as a character.

The characterization and script are superb, and this really keeps the plot's flow at a steady pace. Edward Norton brings the character of Eisenheim to life, giving a mysterious yet charismatic aspect to the role. He makes this idea of creating illusion an art form on the big screen, as he dazzles many in the audience with his shows. It is later on in life when, while doing a show, he meets up with childhood friend and sweetheart Sophie, who is now engaged to the Crown Prince, a villainous man who reportedly abuses his lovers. This meeting sets into motion the conflict between Eisenheim and the Crown Prince, archrivals for Sophie's love. Another important role is that of the Inspector, who is both suspicious and in awe of Eisenheim's illusionary feats, but must ultimately answer to the Crown Prince. While the Crown Prince wants Eisenheim shut down for blasphemy and heresy, the Inspector has no real proof to charge him with.

Mythical elements, a great music score, and clever imagination make this feel like we are transported to Vienna circa 1900 to watch the story unfold. There is magic and illusion, and the suspense builds after Eisenheim's shows take on a much darker feel, in which he can reach into the "other world" to find out information about lost loved ones.

Over all, there is a great job of filmmaking and storytelling here. There is definitely an art-like quality to The Illusionist, and there is more than meets the eye!


December 14, 2008

A VISUAL, AND EMOTIONAL FEAST

THE ILLUSIONIST is at once a sumptuously visual fairy tale, a very delectable love story, and a thought-provoking mystery. The Philip Glass score is haunting, and mesmerizing, the colors, fluid, and lush, and the romance is breathtaking, and extroadinarily sensual without relying on bare bodies. Edward Norton is remarkably effective as the master magician Eisenheim, and Jessica Biel is luminous as Duchess Sophie, the love of his life. The story, romance, and mystery unfold with almost dream-like resonance, and is by turns lyrical, exquisitely passionate, and intoxicatingly heartrending.

The story takes place in late 19th century Austria. The illusionist, Eisenheim (Norton) returns to his homeland in time to find his childhood sweetheart on the verge of marrying one of the most powerful men in Europe, the meglomaniacal, Crown Prince Leopold (Rufus Sewell). The prince brings his bride-to-be, Duchess Sophie (Biel) to the theater that the magician is performing in. Eisenheim recognizes her immediately. Sophie, upon realizing who Eisenheim is, arranges a rather innocent tryst with the magician. Chief Inspector Uhl (the wonderful, Paul Giammati), has, unfortunately had them followed, as part of his duty to the crown, and the real mystery begins.

The acting is exceptional, the direction superb, and the music sublime.
It is, simply put, one of the most beautiful films I have had the pleasure of seeing in my lifetime. December 7, 2008

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