"‘I thought we might end this evening with a discussion of the soul. All of the greatest religions speak of the soul’s endurance before the end of life. So what then does it mean to die?’"
THE CAST: The Illusionist has a marvelous cast with Edward Norton, Jessica Biel, Paul Giamatti, and Rufus Sewell. I really love each and every one of the cast members, but Paul Giamatti is the star of this film. With the film being from his character's point of view, you realize by the end how talented he actually is. Edward Norton gives a commanding performance which is what we have come to expect from him. Rufus Sewell does not get enough credit in my opinion. He is great in this film as well as every other movie I have seen him in.
DIRECTION, CINEMATOGRAPHY AND SPECIAL EFFECTS: The photography makes The Illusionist a pleasure to watch. Costumes, scenery, sets and makeup are perfect for the time period. It well deserved its Oscar nomination for Best Achievement in Cinematography.
The Illusionist was directed by virtually unknown director Neil Burger. Hopefully we will see more of him in the future because he obviously has talent.
THE GOOD: The Illusionist is a very well written, unpredictable and almost perfectly acted film which borders on brilliancy. It is mesmerizing and intoxicating from beginning to end, a definite must see film.
THE BAD: The only thing I think would have improved the film is if they had made it a little longer. It would have been nice to see a little more of Einenheim's past.
THE STORY (may contain spoilers): The film takes place in Vienna in the early 1900's.
As a young man, Edward, the son of a cabinet maker, fell in love with Sophie, the Duchess Von Techen. As a teenager he became obsessed with magic after meeting a traveling magician. When Edward and Sophie realize they cannot be together because of their different social status, Sophie begs Edward to take her with him to the Orient to study magic. Before they can make their plans her family finds out about their relationship and forbids Edward to ever see Sophie again. Edward leaves the village to travel the world and perfect his magic. He changes his name to Eisenheim and decides 15 years later to return to Vienna.
When he returns because he is a master illusionist his act is an overnight success. Opening night he attracts the attention of Inspector Uhl who brings the Crown Prince Leopold and soon to be wife to the performance the next evening. When Eisenheim asks for a volunteer, Leopold volunteer's his wife to be. Eisenheim soon realizes his volunteer is Sophie but she does not immediately recognize him.
What is Eisenheim to do to win back the girl he has always loved? Will she marry the Crown Prince who is known for his brutality against women? Will the Crown Prince figure out their relationship and have Eisenheim arrested?
EXTRAS: Pan & Scan Edition DVD
Feature audio commentary by writer/director Neil Burger
The making of The Illusionist featurette
Jessica Biel on The Illusionist featurette
I really wish there were commentaries with Edward Norton and Paul Giamatti as well.
REPLAY VALUE: Excellent replay value for this movie, one that can be enjoyed several times a year if not more.
BOTTOM LINE: The Illusionist is a superior and engrossing film which never fails to impress. It is not absolutely perfect, but close to it. I recommend this film for its story, cinematography and performances. It would make a fine addition to any collection.
Thanks for reading.
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By the way, Paul Giamatti is set to star as prince John in medieval epic IRONCLAD, that will be interesting to see ;)