Director: Neil Burger, Bob Yari; Stars: Edward Norton, Jessica Biel, Paul Giamatti; Release Date: January 09, 2007
In 1900 Vienna, a magician named Eisenheim the Illusionist is mystifying audiences with a remarkable magic act that is seemingly too good to believe. Chief Inspector Uhl, who is in the pocket of Crown Prince Leopold--and considers himself somewhat of an amateur conjurer--becomes obsessed with Eisenheim; Uhl is not only desperate to find out the secrets behind Eisenheim's tricks but also worried that the master magician might pose a threat to the crown prince's nefarious plans. In addition, Eisenheim is quickly growing close to Duchess Sophie von Teschen, his childhood love, who is engaged to Leopold. As Eisenheim's act becomes even more amazing--including apparently raising the spirits of the dead--he enrages the crown prince even further, leading to deception and murder. Edward Norton (FIGHT CLUB), who studied magic with Ricky Jay (THE SPANISH PRISONER) in preparing for the role, is terrific as Eisenheim, an enigmatic showman hiding a dark side. The excellent supporting cast features fine performances b...
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A magician falls in love with the crown prince's fiancee leading to obsession and crime. No Track Information Available Media Type: DVD Artist: NORTON/GIAMATTI/BIEL Title: ILLUSIONIST Street Release Date: 01/09/2007 Domestic Genre: DRAMA.
First screened in Europe and scheduled for limited release in the U.S., The Illusionist offers welcome proof that "arthouse" quality needn't be limited to the arthouses. Set in turn-of-the-century Vienna, this stately, elegant period film benefited from a crossover release in mainstream cinemas, and showed considerable box-office staying power--granted, teenage mallrats and lusty males may have been drawn to the allure of Seventh Heaven alumna Jessica Biel, who rises to the occasion with a fine performance. But there's equal appeal in the casting of Edward Norton and Paul Giamatti, who bring their formidable talents to bear on the intriguing tale of a celebrated magician named Eisenheim (Norton) whose stage performance offends the Crown Prince Leopold (Rufus Sewell), a vindictive lout who aims to marry Duchess Sophie (Biel), Eisenheim's childhood friend and now, 15 years later, his would-be lover.
This romantic rivalry and Eisenheim's increasingly enigmatic craft of illusion are investigated by Chief Inspector Uhl (Giamatti), who's under Leopold's command and is therefore not to be trusted as Eisenheim and Sophie draw closer to their inevitable reunion. Cleverly adapted by director Neil Burger from Steven Millhauser's short story "Eisenheim the Illusionist," and boasting exquisite production values and a fine score by Philip Glass, The Illusionist is the kind of class act that fully deserved its unusually wide and appreciative audience. -- Jeff Shannon Beyond The Illusionist "Eisenheim the Illusionist" and Other Stories Paul Giamatti in a More Loveable Role Magic Kits & Accessories Stills from The Illusionist .
Directors: Neil Burger
Stars: Jessica Biel
Actors: Tom Fisher
Genre: Dramas
Subgenre: Romances, 20th Century, Magic, Fantasy
MPAA Rating: PG-13 (MPAA)
Available Formats: DVD: Widescreen
UPC: 024543408413
Release Date: 2006
Running Time: 1hr 50min
Original Language: English
DVD Editions: DVD: Widescreen1hr 50min20th Century Fox Home EntertainmentJanuary 09, 2007PG-13 (MPAA)024543402374
Screenwriter: Brian Koppelman
Professional Reviews: (04/01/2007, p.68, Lisa Mullen):"[W]hat THE ILLUSIONIST does well is create a compelling atmosphere, abetted by Dick Pope's nicely judged cinematography..."
A top notch film
Author's Rating:
The marvelous film The Illusionist was released in 2006 to reasonable success at the box office. But its art house feel and understated (and excellent)acting apparently appealed to only so many people. It did not make great play with the media and was not splashed across the covers of magazines, with the possible exception of celebrity gossip circles for the youthful Jessica Biel. Even an ardent viewer of films such as myself missed this one at the theater.
So, seeing this film two years later on DVD, with little or no fanfare, only added to my pleasure at finding this gem. Director and screen writer Neil Burger effortlessly presents a cat and mouse detective mystery against the backdrop of turn of the century Vienna. Edward Norton, who plays Eisenheim the Illusionist, and Paul Giamatti, who plays Inspector Uhl, both aptly demonstrate their exceptional acting skill and range.
A must see.
Oct 05, 2008
The Illusionist
Author's Rating:
Movie condition was great, received it in a timely manner. Love the movie and have watched a few times already.
Sep 24, 2008
An incredible movie!
Author's Rating:
Really well-made movie. Great script. Excellent actors.
Inspiring magic for magicians everywhere to watch.
Sep 22, 2008
Though critically flawed, The Illusionist is still a captivating film
Author's Rating:
For the first half of The Illusionist I sat spellbound, swept up in a beautifully realized world of magic and intrigue. The film's style calls to mind the Albumen prints of the 19th century, with their soft edges and muted sepia tones. It lends the film, which is set in the waning years of the Austro-Hungarian empire, a sense of time and place as well as an atmosphere of mystery. The scenery and costumes certainly convey period authenticity. Old Vienna, with its cobblestone streets and narrow alleyways, grand theaters and resplendent mansions, really comes alive.
Even the picturesque quality of the film could not distract me from the glaring flaws in the story. The Illusionist turns on one pivotal event and resolves with a 'twist ending' that turns this pivotal event on its head. This is not a bad thing in and of itself, but the execution, as well as the twist itself, is sub par.
Strangely enough, the ending made me despise the character(s) I should have been rooting for, and pity the character(s) who had been served up as villains.
The acting, for the most part, is excellent. Norton and Giamatti (who plays an ambitious and principled police detective) deliver good performances. Rufus Sewell steals scenes as the arrogant and conflicted Crown Prince Leopold. Biel's performance doesn't disappoint either, although she is badly miscast as a down-to-earth princess as well as Norton's love interest. She's nice to look at, especially in the bosom enhancing dresses they have her wear, and that was probably intended to be her primary function anyway.
Despite its flaws, The Illusionist is a captivating film, at least the first time around. More critical viewers will have no trouble seeing through the pretty packaging on subsequent viewings, so the film will depreciate rapidly. Personally, I think "The Prestige" (which contended against The Illusionist at the box office for "Magic Dollars" ) is a much more solid work, with more staying power.
Sep 12, 2008
Though critically flawed, The Illusionist is still a captivating film
Author's Rating:
For the first half of The Illusionist I sat spellbound, swept up in a beautifully realized world of magic and intrigue. The film's style calls to mind the Albumen prints of the 19th century, with their soft edges and muted sepia tones. It lends the film, which is set in the waning years of the Austro-Hungarian empire, a sense of time and place as well as an atmosphere of mystery. The scenery and costumes certainly convey period authenticity. Old Vienna, with its cobblestone streets and narrow alleyways, grand theaters and resplendent mansions, really comes alive.
Even the picturesque quality of the film could not distract me from the glaring flaws in the story. The Illusionist turns on one pivotal event and resolves with a 'twist ending' that turns this pivotal event on its head. This is not a bad thing in and of itself, but the execution, as well as the twist itself, is sub par.
Strangely enough, the ending made me despise the character(s) I should have been rooting for, and pity the character(s) who had been served up as villains.
More …
no illusions here-- it's bad
Author's Rating:
There is so much wrong with the Illusionist I have to start with the two things that are right: first, Paul Giamatti. He does a great job and frankly the only time the movie comes alive is when he's on screen. Second, the character actor playing Crown Prince Leopold's valet. He expresses anguish, shame and shock using nothing but body language and his eyes. Very good. The guy playing Leopold was fairly interesting and can look back on his role here without shame.
Now, what's wrong? Edward Norton, sure he's a great actor but not in this flick. He spends the entire movie looking like he's got hemorrhoids. The flat voice, the stiff ooh don't make the itch and burn start up again walk, the dead eyed stare--- none of that looked like a man in love and there were times when I was laughing at him. Plus his accent weaved in and out worse than Kevin Costner as Robin Hood. Sometimes he sounded like an Austrian and sometimes he sounded like a dude from Idaho.
Jessica Biel is a pretty girl and she really has nothing to do but look lovely in her role but she can't even do that. She seemed like an android. She walked and talked but was completely souless. Her version of Sophie wouldn't turn most men's heads for more than a night, the audience is asked to believe that this bland, stilted creature somehow held a man's heart for 15 years. Nah.
Finally, the big reveal at the end made no darn sense. It was impossible. No good detective would've been fooled, the Romeo and Juliet potion was a cheap trick.
Sep 02, 2008
no illusions here-- it's bad
Author's Rating:
There is so much wrong with the Illusionist I have to start with the two things that are right: first, Paul Giamatti. He does a great job and frankly the only time the movie comes alive is when he's on screen. Second, the character actor playing Crown Prince Leopold's valet. He expresses anguish, shame and shock using nothing but body language and his eyes. Very good. The guy playing Leopold was fairly interesting and can look back on his role here without shame.
Now, what's wrong? Edward Norton, sure he's a great actor but not in this flick. He spends the entire movie looking like he's got hemorrhoids. The flat voice, the stiff ooh don't make the itch and burn start up again walk, the dead eyed stare--- none of that looked like a man in love and there were times when I was laughing at him. Plus his accent weaved in and out worse than Kevin Costner as Robin Hood. Sometimes he sounded like an Austrian and sometimes he sounded like a dude from Idaho.
Jessica Biel is a pretty girl and she really has nothing to do but look lovely in her role but she can't even do that. She seemed like an android. She walked and talked but was completely souless. Her version of Sophie wouldn't turn most men's heads for more than a night, the audience is asked to believe that this bland, stilted creature somehow held a man's heart for 15 years. Nah.
More …
Buy It!!!!
Author's Rating:
I first saw this movie at my daughter's and have watched it about a dozen times since then. I have a CD of the music and have played it over and over. Such haunting themes and wonderful memories of scenes. i would recommend this movie to any and all. At the end of the movie when the inspector is realizing what has happened is perfect!!
Aug 07, 2008
A favorite of mine
Author's Rating:
I thought this was a great movie. Watched it with my 15yo daughter, she loved it, too. So did my husband. Now I'm taking it to my mom's. I think she'll like it alot too. I didn't find it boring at all and can't even compare it to any other. There aren't many movies that I like enough to watch more than once.
Jul 23, 2008
one of the BEST Edward Norton Films!
Author's Rating:
everyone recommended this movie to me, and im glad they did. this is by far one of the best movies Edward Norton has done. word to the wise, watch it from the beginning to understand what happens, esp at the end of the movie. definately an ending i wasnt ready for.
Jul 16, 2008
A smart and fun ride.
Author's Rating:
The Illusionist has great acting and a good story.
It tends to drag in a few places but it's definitely worth a rental.
The magical tricks are fun and interesting to watch.
The ending was kind of.......... Ho hum.
Not nearly as good as The Prestige, but if your looking for a solid movie based on magic then this movie is a good place to start.
Jun 23, 2008
Just a little better than the Prestige!
Author's Rating:
This movie has about the same idea as the prestige but this is only one magician. And this movie shows his true powers and abilities. it definitely is a great movie with a few twists in it. If you like the prestige then you will definitely like this movie a lot more. Don't get me wrong i have both movies i just like this one a little more than the other.
May 20, 2008
