The Illusionist (2006)
A supernatural mystery that combines romance, politics and magic. Edward Norton plays a mysterious stage magician, Eisenheim, who bends nature's laws to his will in front of awestruck crowds.
In Vienna, Eisenheim is reunited with his lost, childhood love of a much higher social standing; Princess Sophie (Biel) - now engaged to the big-wigged Crown Prince. Eisenheim uses his 'powers' to free Sophie from the unhappy engagement and undermine the stability of the royal house of Vienna.
- Director:
- Neil Burger ('Interview with the Assassin')
- Writer:
- Neil Burger
- Cast:
- Edward NortonJessica BielPaul GiamattiRufus SewellEddie Marsan
Reviews & comments
TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE
I thought this movie would be boring... But, boy was I ever wrong!! It was one of the best movies I had ever seen... The actor - I forgot his name - was marvellous. And Jessica Biel was good as well. I didn't expect the ending to be that way... It was so surprising... For those of you who haven't watched this movie, I recommend you watch it. It's worth it.
Village Voice
pressBeautifully acted and handsomely mounted, this gorgeous period piece is an intelligent and intriguing exploration of "the dark arts" -- less dependent on mere hocus-pocus than on the convincing journey of the soul undertaken by its hero...
The New York Times
pressThis entertaining movie is content to be something a bit more modest: a pungent period folk tale that teases you until the very end...
Hollywood Reporter
pressOutstanding production values and mysterious subject matter give the film a surprisingly opulent feel for an independent Sundance entry...
Los Angeles Times
pressSewell and Giamatti ham it up as the imperious pretender to the throne and his ambitious but conflicted minion in this uncheesy but entertainingly tricky mystery. There's more heat between the two of them than between the sappy lovers...
Film Threat
pressWhile it might have made a good short, as a feature film The Illusionist comes across like a magician whose tricks are transparent...
Empire Magazine
pressIt’s not on a gasp-inducing making-the-Statue-Of-Liberty-disappear level, but with its opulent presentation and confident storytelling, The Illusionist has the power to keep an audience rapt like a good old-fashioned card trick...
BBC
pressDirector Neil Burger captures every scene in an evocative daguerreotype tone. Not everyone will be taken in by the plot's final twist, but even if you guess how Eisenheim does it, you'll be won over by his showmanship...
Village Voice
pressBeautifully acted and handsomely mounted, this gorgeous period piece is an intelligent and intriguing exploration of "the dark arts" -- less dependent on mere hocus-pocus than on the convincing journey of the soul undertaken by its hero...
The New York Times
pressThis entertaining movie is content to be something a bit more modest: a pungent period folk tale that teases you until the very end...
Hollywood Reporter
pressOutstanding production values and mysterious subject matter give the film a surprisingly opulent feel for an independent Sundance entry...
Los Angeles Times
pressSewell and Giamatti ham it up as the imperious pretender to the throne and his ambitious but conflicted minion in this uncheesy but entertainingly tricky mystery. There's more heat between the two of them than between the sappy lovers...
Film Threat
pressWhile it might have made a good short, as a feature film The Illusionist comes across like a magician whose tricks are transparent...
Empire Magazine
pressIt’s not on a gasp-inducing making-the-Statue-Of-Liberty-disappear level, but with its opulent presentation and confident storytelling, The Illusionist has the power to keep an audience rapt like a good old-fashioned card trick...
BBC
pressDirector Neil Burger captures every scene in an evocative daguerreotype tone. Not everyone will be taken in by the plot's final twist, but even if you guess how Eisenheim does it, you'll be won over by his showmanship...
TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE
I thought this movie would be boring... But, boy was I ever wrong!! It was one of the best movies I had ever seen... The actor - I forgot his name - was marvellous. And Jessica Biel was good as well. I didn't expect the ending to be that way... It was so surprising... For those of you who haven't watched this movie, I recommend you watch it. It's worth it.
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