Directed by Neil Burger | Written by Steven Millhauser (Short story) Neil Burger (Screenplay) | Starring Edward Norton, Paul Giamatti, Jessica Biel, Rufus Sewell, Eddie Marsan

Distributed by Yari Film Group Releasing | Running time 110 min

Review by Jed Medina

"It's all an illusion!" exclaims Crown Prince Leopold (Rufus Sewell). He is trying desperately to convince Chief Inspector Uhl (Paul Giamatti) that the illusionist Eisenheim (Edward Norton) has created an elaborate plot to discredit him and bring down the royal house of Vienna.

Based loosely on the Steven Millhauser's story "Eisenheim the Illusionist", this film tells the story of Eisenheim, a magician in Vienna during the 19th century. Interweaving the past and the present through the use of flashbacks, the film is a visual feast as it explores the themes of love, magic, betrayal and intrigue.

As a boy, Eisenheim, who belongs to the working class, stumbles upon a magician on his way home one day. Fascinated with the magical tricks, he becomes obsessed with creating magic of his own. In a chance encounter, he meets Sophie von Teschen (Jessica Biel), a duchess well above his social standing. They fall in love and soon become inseparable. But their social standing will not permit it; the duchess's family discovers their secret and is determined to separate them.

'Make us disappear!' Sophie begs Eisenheim. But the boy is not powerful enough to even contemplate doing the trick. Sophie is taken away and Eisenheim leaves, promising to return and reclaim his love.

15 years pass and then one night, Vienna is the venue for a different kind of show. Eisenheim is back and he presents a magical show that has never before been seen in the city. Word spreads regarding the novelty and wonder of Eisenheim's show, prompting Vienna's royalty to attend the spectacle.

During the next show, Eisenheim asks for a volunteer to participate in a new, exciting bit of magic. The Crown Prince volunteers Sophie and what happens next becomes the talk of the city - the show is as magical as it is bizarre. While Sophie fails to immediately recognize her long lost love, Eisenheim offers hints as to who he really is. Finally, the lovers reunite and as before, people around Sophie disapprove and are adamant that they remain separated. The Crown Prince, who is all-powerful with an arrogant and ugly side to his character, is determined to put a stop to Eisenheim. He is also determined to make sure that Sophie remains his property...

Adapting a story to the screen can go either way - it may be a success or an utter failure. But The Illusionist became both a critical and a box-office triumph. Foremost to its success is Edward Norton. Stephen Holden, in his review for The New York Times, praises Edward Norton's role as one "that perfectly fits his disturbing inscrutability. His face, with obsidian eyes that take in everything but reflect nothing, and a tight little mouth, is an impenetrable mask of either innocence or cunning; you’re never sure which. Only the corners of his eyes glint like icicles."

Norton, who is also featured in the film The Painted Veil, continues to portray some of cinema's most interesting and exciting characters. He gives the impression that he prefers art house and indie films to big-budgeted movies, for the reason that it provides him with more satisfaction as an artist. Starting with Primal Fear, followed by American History X, Red Dragon and The Illusionist, he has established his position as a most noteworthy actor.

Paul Giamatti, who last appeared in Lady in the Water, is the perfect Chief Inspector Uhl. With a delightful mix of skepticism, wonder, and intelligence, he brings a supposedly dull, background character to the center of the film, and provides the audience with its narrator.

Jessica Biel gives the performance of her career, looking graceful and elegant. She portrays Sophie as she really is, a woman who belongs to the highest social class, but her passionate character remains true to her lover's calling.

The Illusionist is a vibrant, intelligent and enjoyable film. Filled with amazing visuals and moving at a relatively fast pace, it should be considered beyond a mere 'good film'.

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Comments (2)

One of my favorites!

Edward Norton is simply one of the best actors we have around! In The Illusionist, I believed he did another amazing performance. I think that he is even better here than in The Painted Veil, although both films are good.

Much has been said about this film and another movie exploring a similar theme, The Prestige. While this other movie boast of a stellar cast including Christian Bale and Hugh Jackman, among others, The Illusionist, I think is the better film. Both films I enjoyed immensely, but one can't help but compare...

Admin , June 10, 2007

...

Thanks for the review, Jed.

It's so good to read these wonderful things about Edward Norton, one of my favourit actors. It only
makes me want to see this movie even more.

Many people talk about how it is even better than "The Prestige" and I have to say that I already LOVED "The Prestige".

Rina H. , June 10, 2007

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