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The Illusionist (2006),
Director: Neil Burger, Rated PG-13
Nothing Is
What It Seems.
  Starring:
Edward Norton, Paul Giamatti, Jessica Biel, Rufus Sewell, Eddie Marsan, Jake
Wood, Tom Fisher, Aaron Johnson, Eleanor Tomlinson
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★☆☆
- great
"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?" – Eisenheim
Why watch this? This
is a well-done mystery with an incredible magician at its core.
Plot Summary:
In turn-of-the-century Vienna, a gifted magician named Eisenheim
reunites with his childhood love, Sophie, who is now engaged to
a ruthless, powerful Crown Prince. Eisenheim uses his
spectacular stage illusions and apparent supernatural abilities
to challenge the social constraints and the corrupt authority
standing between them. As the jealous Prince attempts to expose
and destroy the magician, a local Inspector must choose between
his duty to the crown and his admiration for Eisenheim's craft.
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Dad's Preview:
Loosely based on a Steven Millhauser short story, this
intelligent, well-crafted tale centers on two young
lovers, separated because of their financial and royal
status, who find themselves reunited in a magic show,
hosted by Eisenheim the Illusionist. The renown
man's tricks are quite ingenious, pushing the local
authorities to suspect supernatural involvements. This
film successfully transports us to 1889 Vienna, and the
romantic leads, Norton and Biel, are delightful as
Eisenheim and the lovely Duchess Sophia. However, the
best performance is by Paul Giamatti, whose nuanced
portrayal of Chief Inspector Uhl is truly amazing. This
period piece is magically entertaining. |
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Bob Yari Prod.,
Contagious Ent., Miracle Pictures, Stillking Films;
Yari Film Group Releasing, Freestyle Releasing |
