The Illusionist (2006)
Genre: Mystery / Romance
Duration: 110 minuten
Country:
United States / Czech Republic
Directed by: Neil Burger
Stars: Edward Norton, Jessica Biel and Paul Giamatti
IMDb score:
7,5 (407.855)
Releasedate: 18 August 2006
The Illusionist plot
"Nothing is what it seems"
In Vienna around 1900, young Edward falls in love with Sophie, a girl far beyond his means. In their youth, the two are separated and they are not allowed to see each other again. Years later, as a young woman, Sophie becomes engaged to the Viennese Prince Leopold. But then the magical artist Eisenheim comes into town and manages to amaze everyone with his amazing tricks. When Eisenheim and Sophie meet again after all these years, the spark flies again. Leopold doesn't trust him and sends Inspector Uhl to Eisenheim to keep an eye on him.
Actors and actresses
Eisenheim
Inspector Uhl
Sophie
Crown Prince Leopold
Josef Fischer
Young Eisenheim
Young Sophie
Jurka
Willigut
Doctor / Old Man
Reviews & comments
tbouwh
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- 5866 messages
- 5496 votes
This film is living proof of how important atmosphere can be in a film.
Where I was not completely sucked into the story at every moment, I was every time because of the melancholic 19th century atmosphere, which is perfectly portrayed.
Occasionally it reminded me a bit of Das Parfum in that regard.
The type of story really appeals to me: (good) magic tricks in movies are often worthwhile, and that's the case here too. The similarities with the Prestige are impossible to ignore, but because this film is more about the drama, the two films can be kept apart.
Eisenheim's past and the tension surrounding his shows, the feud with the Crown Prince and the interventions of Commissioner Uhl, are examples of attractive elements from the story that bring a certain tension that makes you want to keep watching.
I didn't like the love story with Biel, partly due to the mediocre performance of the latter.
Norton, on the other hand, is beyond brilliant, and the same can be said of Giomatti and Sewell.
The tricks were wonderful, although that didn't work for the ghosts, partly because the real wow effect did not come here.
At the end there is a nice climax, which unfortunately is rushed too quickly, with details left out of consideration. This is done better in movies like the Usual Suspects and Shutter Island.
Fascinating, thorough, and entertaining, but with some drawbacks. Small 4*
Translated from Dutch · View original
IH88
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- 9903 messages
- 3205 votes
“Everything you've seen is an illusion, it's a trick.”
Strong and very atmospheric film. The Illusionist is a film that likes to mislead the viewer with many twists and unexpected events. The film also looks great with a distinct camera style (some images look blurred to create extra effect), a dark use of colors and costumes and sets that really make you feel like you are in Vienna at the end of the 19th century. The story is simple but ingeniously put together.
Eisenheim and Sophie are childhood sweethearts who meet again when they are older. He is an illusionist and she is engaged to the evil Crown Prince Leopold. Eisenheim wants to rescue Sophie from Leopold and devises a daring trick to get together once and for all. These kinds of stories stand or fall with the chemistry that the protagonists have together and fortunately Norton and Biel are a nice duo. Rufus Sewell is also strong and Paul Giamatti has a wonderful supporting role as Inspector Uhl, who must fathom Eisenheim's shows due to suspicion of fraud and eventually becomes deeply involved in the investigation into the relationship between Eisenheim and Sophie. Due to its approach, the film looks like a theater piece with many small sets, and this is particularly apparent in Eisenheim's shows. The Illusionist keeps his cards close to his chest for a long time and only at the end comes the surprising denouement. Fortunately, this one does not disappoint and the attention of the viewer is rewarded.
Translated from Dutch · View original
BBarbie
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- 12893 messages
- 7675 votes
Belle epoque drama about the romantic entanglements surrounding an illusionist and his childhood sweetheart. These kinds of roles are suited to the often somewhat hypothermic Edward Norton. An atmospheric film with a fascinating story (including a fitting ending) and beautiful camera work. Very nice.
Translated from Dutch · View original
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