The Illusionist
Nothing is what it seems.
Unlock the mysteries of the year's most spellbinding film from the producers of Crash and Sideways! Oscar nominees Paul Giamatti and Edward Norton lead an all-star cast in this "stunning" film (USA Today) that conjures an exhilarating blend of suspense, romance and mind-bending twists. The acclaimed illusionist Eisenheim (Norton) has not only captured the imaginations of all of Vienna, but also the interest of the ambitious Crown Prince Leopold (Rufus Sewell). But when Leopold's new fiancé (Jessica Biel) rekindles a childhood fascination with Eisenheim, the Prince's interest evolves into obsession...and suddenly the city's Chief Inspector (Giamatti) finds himself investigating a shocking crime. But even as the Inspector engages him in a dramatic challenge of wills, Eisenheim prepares for his most impressive illusion yet in this "mesmerizing" (Entertainment Weekly) and "beautifully acted" (Good Morning America) film that "teases you until the very end!" (The New York Times).
Member Reviews
Edward fans must watch - brandywerezak
As a huge fan of edward Norton and Jessica BeilI found this movie an enchanting love story. The story can be compared to any modern love triangle however the imagery and costumes, the music and for shawdoing was very well done. I enjoy that the move keeps you guessing and uses some great illusions
You need to make sure to watch the extras and bonus cuts in this dvd as well.Romantic and magical mystery - BritaBroad
The thing that struck me most about this movie was the look of it - green and ochre shades predominated, giving the whole movie the look of an Impressionist painting. Quite beautiful.
I thought this might have just been simply the telling of the life story of a magician, but instead it was part romance and part mystery that keeps you intrigued to the very end, when the biggest illusion of all is revealed.
Fabulous performances by all the cast. Norton is great as the slightly odd title character, managing to be both distant and emotional at the same time; Rufus Sewell is great as the psychotic prince; Paul Giamatti wonderfully understated as the cop who wants to do the right thing inspite of the bullying Prince, and who learns to have a grudging respect for the magician he is supposed to be exposing and ruining; and Jessica Biel is everything she needs to be as the romantic pivot of the story.
Lovely movie in every way.It's Hard Out There For A Wizard - Angora
On the surface, this is a fairly enjoyable film about a magician involved in intrigue, and an inspector attempting to get to the bottom of a murder mystery. What sets the film apart, though, is the way it uses these stories to raise topical, thoughtful questions about the ways in which we perceive the world.
The central question of the film, "Can Eisenheim do magic?" is never definitively answered. Chief Inspector Uhl attempts to construct a rational, scientific explanation for what transpires in the film, but, like the Orange Tree Illusion that he also attempts to decipher, the solution is so complex and unwieldy that it might make more sense to say that Eisenheim is a wizard.
In presenting the situation that way, the film reminds us that, even with the backing of modern science, we are all making choices in terms of what we do and do not believe about how the world works. The film also manages to discuss this without casting aspersions on anyone, which is difficult.
All in all, this is a thought provoking if somewhat slow-moving story that relies less on a surprise twist (as opposed to, say, The Prestige, which came out around the same time) and more on the strength of the subject matter (questions of belief and the nature of reality).
Member Reviews
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Edward fans must watch - brandywerezak
As a huge fan of edward Norton and Jessica BeilI found this movie an enchanting love story. The story can be compared to any modern love triangle however the imagery and costumes, the music and for shawdoing was very well done. I enjoy that the move keeps ...Romantic and magical mystery - BritaBroad
The thing that struck me most about this movie was the look of it - green and ochre shades predominated, giving the whole movie the look of an Impressionist painting. Quite beautiful.
I thought this might have just been simply the telling of the life ...It's Hard Out There For A Wizard - Angora
On the surface, this is a fairly enjoyable film about a magician involved in intrigue, and an inspector attempting to get to the bottom of a murder mystery. What sets the film apart, though, is the way it uses these stories to raise topical, thoughtful questions ...