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THE ILLUSIONIST (2006)
"Nothing is was it seems...."
"Nothing is was it seems...."
This film is one in which has kept its distance from my local DVD player for quite some time. It never seemed to find it's way to a screen near to me, nor did it ever peak my interest in the slightest. None the less, eventually, this film found itself, finally, on my screen -- and rightfully so.
What would one expect from a movie titled THE ILLUSIONIST? Magic? Illusions? Revealing tricks? Old favorites?
The Illusionist has all of these things and more, but by no means should the films story be limited to the above items in which find themselves present within this film. Eisenheim (Edward Norton) is a magician and not a person of high stature in his time of living. As a young boy, he found a love in a beautiful young girl, far higher in standing than he was, and their forbidden love begins an extensive problem amongst the land. Issue upon, issue, Eisenheim leaves to ensure no more hassle for his lover, taking his endless magic tricks around the world and executing them with extraordinary precession. In doing this, a vast amount of attention is brought to his shows, and eventually.... some tricks begin to appear more real than fake. In turn-of-the-century Vienna, Eisenheim discovers his past love, taken by a royal and hence, to secure his love, the magician begins to perform shows in the local vicinity. None the less, a forbidden love is bound to have it's fair share of problems.
The Illusionist is marvelously written. The script was written in such a way that audiences would grow closer to characters, learn from them and furthermore, pity them for the situations and horrors in which they are forced to face throughout the duration of the film. Everything that this script compiles is necessary, and nothing falls short of incredibly entertaining. No character was underdeveloped, no lines unnecessary; the unbelievably well mastered script of this film is part of the reason it was such a thoroughly enjoyable and entertaining film to watch.
Director Neil Burger had a clear image when coming into contact with this script; he wanted to make something that was memorable, and most certainly, create something that would entertain viewers right until the end. Scenes are well shot, scenery, well decided upon. The direction of this film in one word is "brilliant". To have a film that could strike even or even top the likes of The Prestige starring Hugh Jackman, is thoroughly pleasing. With clever masterful directing, Burger keeps audiences in awe at everything that is occurring on screen and keeps us right on the edge of our seats until the closing credits of The Illusionist.
Whoever decided to cast Edward Norton as the lead of this film was well informed and very well experienced. Norton's portrayal of the dark-yet-in-love Eisenheim is both entertaining and spooky. Paul Giamatti as Inspector Uhl was yet another formidable choice, proving to be both entertaining and surprising. Casting Jessica Biel as Sophie (Eisenheim's love) proved to be just as pleasing as the former choices as leads, and hence, this film does not fall short of talent, nor does it fall short of direction or incredible script writing. Rufus Sewell as the Crown Prince Leopold was brilliant, entertaining, and frightening. Sewell played the Crown prince in a fashion in which we all grow to hate him and consider him dark, evil and misguided even with his cold and dark plots and extensively self centered views. With these big names embodying their characters through their grand talent, we also have some of the less main members of the cast more than holding their own on screen with the big names; proving that this film went out and ensured that they brought in the best of the best.
This film is more than a pleasant watch. It is brilliant, it is beautiful and best of all, it is entertaining from start to end. With a love story that will shock you, a twist that will make you smile and gasp, The Illusionist is certainly worth the watch.
All in all, this film is no Illusion.... it is truly, magical.
What would one expect from a movie titled THE ILLUSIONIST? Magic? Illusions? Revealing tricks? Old favorites?
The Illusionist has all of these things and more, but by no means should the films story be limited to the above items in which find themselves present within this film. Eisenheim (Edward Norton) is a magician and not a person of high stature in his time of living. As a young boy, he found a love in a beautiful young girl, far higher in standing than he was, and their forbidden love begins an extensive problem amongst the land. Issue upon, issue, Eisenheim leaves to ensure no more hassle for his lover, taking his endless magic tricks around the world and executing them with extraordinary precession. In doing this, a vast amount of attention is brought to his shows, and eventually.... some tricks begin to appear more real than fake. In turn-of-the-century Vienna, Eisenheim discovers his past love, taken by a royal and hence, to secure his love, the magician begins to perform shows in the local vicinity. None the less, a forbidden love is bound to have it's fair share of problems.
The Illusionist is marvelously written. The script was written in such a way that audiences would grow closer to characters, learn from them and furthermore, pity them for the situations and horrors in which they are forced to face throughout the duration of the film. Everything that this script compiles is necessary, and nothing falls short of incredibly entertaining. No character was underdeveloped, no lines unnecessary; the unbelievably well mastered script of this film is part of the reason it was such a thoroughly enjoyable and entertaining film to watch.
Director Neil Burger had a clear image when coming into contact with this script; he wanted to make something that was memorable, and most certainly, create something that would entertain viewers right until the end. Scenes are well shot, scenery, well decided upon. The direction of this film in one word is "brilliant". To have a film that could strike even or even top the likes of The Prestige starring Hugh Jackman, is thoroughly pleasing. With clever masterful directing, Burger keeps audiences in awe at everything that is occurring on screen and keeps us right on the edge of our seats until the closing credits of The Illusionist.
Whoever decided to cast Edward Norton as the lead of this film was well informed and very well experienced. Norton's portrayal of the dark-yet-in-love Eisenheim is both entertaining and spooky. Paul Giamatti as Inspector Uhl was yet another formidable choice, proving to be both entertaining and surprising. Casting Jessica Biel as Sophie (Eisenheim's love) proved to be just as pleasing as the former choices as leads, and hence, this film does not fall short of talent, nor does it fall short of direction or incredible script writing. Rufus Sewell as the Crown Prince Leopold was brilliant, entertaining, and frightening. Sewell played the Crown prince in a fashion in which we all grow to hate him and consider him dark, evil and misguided even with his cold and dark plots and extensively self centered views. With these big names embodying their characters through their grand talent, we also have some of the less main members of the cast more than holding their own on screen with the big names; proving that this film went out and ensured that they brought in the best of the best.
This film is more than a pleasant watch. It is brilliant, it is beautiful and best of all, it is entertaining from start to end. With a love story that will shock you, a twist that will make you smile and gasp, The Illusionist is certainly worth the watch.
All in all, this film is no Illusion.... it is truly, magical.