The Illusionist: Review By Diaigma

Jun 29th, 2011 by Diaigma
Like a showbiz take on survival of the fittest, The Illusionist takes us on a bittersweet journey of curiosity, dwindling determination, and the sad truth that entertainment is always wanted, but not always the entertainer.
  • OVERALL
    4.5
    SUPERB
  • Story
  • Acting
  • Directing
  • Visuals
"Magicians do not exist." -- Note on the Table.

For every few artists and performers who are recognized (whether adored or abhorred) there are hundreds more who give it their all and end up passing through life as unknowns. The emergence of radio, television, and recorded media sparked a new era, heightened the high standard, and set a lasting permanence for modern entertainment, leaving an untold tragedy for many performers. Such is the backdrop of Sylvain Chomet's Oscar nominated film, a haunting love letter between father and daughter from the 1950s that was never produced until now. Like a showbiz take on survival of the fittest, The Illusionist takes us on a bittersweet journey of curiosity, dwindling determination, and the sad truth that entertainment is always wanted, but not always the entertainer.

A talented illusionist counts what little coins he just earned after his last show, at the same time nursing his finger from yet another bit from his obese rabbit. Business in Paris is slow, the stages booked by the first-ever boy bands or emptied to the popularity of radio and television. As a last resort, he sails to England and performs where he can, from street corner to estate parties, but the last souvenir he expected to gain after a jig in a Scottish pub was a young girl named Alice. Allured by his kindness and convinced that he possesses supernatural powers, she ditches her old life for an adventure with this unsuspecting old man. Can he afford to provide room and board for another while his popularity declines, or will he realize that his profession is just an illusion?

The Triplets of Bellville was somewhat of a turnoff for me. I was nervous to give Chomet a second chance with his second feature. While his style remains intact (mostly silent with bits of inaudible dialogue throughout), The Illusionist is nicer on the eyes and mournful to the heart--but in a good way; or rather, an educational way. Like a well swung cast, the art of this film and the easy-to-love characters bait you early on and slowly lures you in, only to be gutted on the shore by its heartbreaking climax. This film evokes empathy. As an artist, I shed a tear for the souls in that hotel who want to bring a smile to those who do not care for their talent.

Don't get me wrong. This film is not a total downer. There's some good comedy (like misplaced pets in a busy kitchen) and detailed sequences often overlooked in animated film, but recognized in live-action. I might go as far as to say that The Illusionist works much like a Miyazaki film, but European in origin instead. The lack of dialogue does make the pace a little tedious, but the adequate runtime of 80 minutes makes for a short viewing experience that only seems long.

If anything, The Illusionist reminds us of the bygone days of showhouses and helps audiences appreciate that true entertainment lies between imperfection and earnest endeavors. I applauded Chomet for this subtle knock-out feature and look forward to his 2015 release of Ivan the Fool.

***

Rated PG: for thematic elements and smoking

Directed by Sylvain Chomet

Runtime: 80 minutes

(By Movieweb's Diaigma: resemblance to other reviews is coincidental)

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Comments (46)

  1. moviegeek

    @diaigma I thought you gave this a 3.0??? That's so weird.. considering I should have seen that on the top of your review when I commented.

    9 months agoby @moviegeekFlag

  2. Diaigma

    @moviegeek - Cool. Amazing how long it felt, huh? 3.5 I can't believe it. We disagree on a whole star?! *checks the sky for impending asteroids."

    9 months agoby @diaigmaFlag

  3. moviegeek

    Just watched this @diaigma Interesting film. LOVE the music. But a tad underwhelming. a 3.5 for me. It felt quite long.

    9 months agoby @moviegeekFlag

  4. Diaigma

    @zanyzap - lol! I empathize with that.

    11 months agoby @diaigmaFlag

  5. ZanyZap

    @diaigma: I can't even make EasyMac, but I can make people's day. Interesting...

    And good for you! I've been to a few decent workshops and of course professors and instructors encourage it, but I am a very busy guy and like every writer, a huge procrastinator. I need to find a good coffee maker and a cave.

    11 months agoby @zanyzapFlag

  6. Diaigma

    @zanyzap - you should pat yourself on the back, because your comment just made my day. Thank you, and I'll have a look at yours too. I've yet to catch my break, but I'm just about done with a new book that pretty much tops everything I've done so far. Collect your ideas and hit some workshops. Once you know how to start, it's easy.

    Again, thank you! :)

    11 months agoby @diaigmaFlag

  7. ZanyZap

    @diaigma: Great review. Pat yourself on the back (again--I'm sure you do it a lot). You're my favorite reviewer on the site. Smooth reads, intellectual and often filled with wit, which is how I like it! :P Feel free to check out my reviews (I have a slightly smaller collection). And I read @dan1's comment: You're an author? Any published material? I too dabble in writing, but most of my ideas haver never hit the page, let alone filled a book. :P I have a few solid ideas, but to paraphrase UCLA professor Richard Walter, ideas are useless when not written down.

    11 months agoby @zanyzapFlag

  8. Diaigma

    @corey - good to know I'm not the only gimp around here, at present. Thanks, man :)

    @skywise - you're very welcome. I'll keep them coming when I can hobble my way to a computer :P

    @XxNickTheFilmCriticXx - I appreciate your comment (and your conversation with @dan1, hilarious!). I'll be sure let you know when I post new reviews. Thanks for reading! :)

    11 months agoby @diaigmaFlag

  9. skywise

    @diaigma nice review. After Triplets I was a little weary of this as well...but isn't it a good thing i can always fall back on your reviews? And so far i have agreed with you on almost all counts when it comes to animated features.

    So thank you for that.

    11 months agoby @skywiseFlag

  10. XxNickTheFilmCriticXx

    @dan1 -- I wasn't taking it to heart, per se, my only two conclusions were that you were trying to make a joke of it or flat-out patronize. I'll keep the "heads-up" in mind.

    11 months agoby @XxNickTheFilmCriticXxFlag

  11. Dan

    @XxNickTheFilmCriticXx No no, just making light. You're new(er) to Movieweb. I guess I should explain myself. I almost never take anything seriously, therefore you shouldn't take what I say to heart. You'll know when I'm being serious, I'll make to point out "I'm being serious" :P

    11 months agoby @dan1Flag

  12. XxNickTheFilmCriticXx

    @dan1 -- It's all right, mate. I thought for a second you were patronizing my comment(not to be sensitive or anything, aha).

    11 months agoby @XxNickTheFilmCriticXxFlag

  13. Dan

    @XxNickTheFilmCriticXx But he is an actual author, wasn't kidding on that part.

    11 months agoby @dan1Flag

  14. Dan

    @XxNickTheFilmCriticXx F*ck I failed. lol. Give me a break, I'm tired as sh*t :P

    11 months agoby @dan1Flag

  15. XxNickTheFilmCriticXx

    @dan1 -- I'll take the whole point in that was to create a few laughs ? Eh..

    11 months agoby @XxNickTheFilmCriticXxFlag

  16. Dan

    @XxNickTheFilmCriticXx, @diaigma is an actual author, so he typically brings the big words us unedumakated folk gaze at with wide eyes but don't understand, and praise him all the same, because it must be right if we can't pronounce it :P

    (joking, of course, lol)

    11 months agoby @dan1Flag

  17. XxNickTheFilmCriticXx

    Scorched with intellectual speaking, I am very fond of this review. Excellent job, Diaigma.

    I beg of you to @mention me when you write another review. It will be highly appreciated.

    11 months agoby @XxNickTheFilmCriticXxFlag

  18. Corey

    @dan1 Maybe he saw a screening :P Actually, I doubt it. He would've bragged about it then lol

    11 months agoby @coreyFlag

  19. Dan

    @corey Good point. We'll just have to see if he explains himself or does the ignore thing.

    11 months agoby @dan1Flag

  20. Corey

    @dan1 This came out in December though. Everyone had seen TS3 and HTTYD by that point :P

    11 months agoby @coreyFlag

  21. Dan

    Though @daveactor7 does brag a lot about how close the theater is to his place, and he does seem to see everything as it's released, too. Hmmm...

    11 months agoby @dan1Flag

  22. Dan

    Not everybody sees the new movies the moment they're released like you do, ya know :P

    11 months agoby @dan1Flag

  23. Dan

    @corey Maybe he didn't see them as soon as they came out and watched them in a different order?

    11 months agoby @dan1Flag

  24. Corey

    @diaigma Welcome to the injury club. Broke my elbow. Lost a big chunk of the fun in summer..

    11 months agoby @coreyFlag

  25. Corey

    Great review. Loved this one. 5/5 for me.

    11 months agoby @coreyFlag

  26. Corey

    @daveactor7 How was this your best pick for first before when this came out after both TS3 and HTTYD?

    11 months agoby @coreyFlag

  27. MovieWiz001

    Finally you got the chance, huh? I was interested in this film, and your review caught more of my interest. Great review.

    11 months agoby @moviewiz001Flag

  28. Daveactor7

    This was my pick for best animated feature until Toy Story 3 and HTTYD came into light lol. Great review!

    11 months agoby @daveactor7Flag

  29. Diaigma

    @moviegeek - mine. Stupid really. Let's just say I won't go hiking this summer. Sucks too. It's our little tradition.

    @slysnide - thanks for the nightmare fuel. I'll take it! XD

    11 months agoby @diaigmaFlag

  30. moviegeek

    @diaigma That sucks... I'm deathly curious now though lol.

    11 months agoby @moviegeekFlag