The Illusionist (2006)

The Illusionist (2006)

Director: Neil Burger

Writer: Neil Burger (based on a short story by Steven Millhauser)

Starring: Edward Norton, Paul Giamatti, Jessica Biel, Rufus Sewell

Director of Photography: Dick Pope

Editor: Naomi Geraghty

The Illusionist starts in Vienna in the late 1800's where the son of a carpenter becomes a magician after being entranced by an old man's tricks. While practicing, he meets a young girl, Sophie, who he falls in love with immidiatley. But Sophie is a duchess, and he is a peasant. They are torn away from each other, forbidden to speak. And, in his grief, this young man decides to travel the world, learning magic from the masters.

Fifteen years later, the now adult magician (Norton) has returned to Vienna, calling himself Eisenheim the Illusionist. And when he meets up with Sophie (Biel), now engaged to the corrupt Prince Leopold (Sewell) there relationship starts anew. But soon the prince becomes angry and suspicious of Eisenheim, and sends Chief Inspector Uhl (Giamatti) to try to arrest him for something. Soon, murder is committed, suspects are accused, and questions are left unanswered. But just remember: nothing is what it seems.

Writing

3.5/5.0

Although a very interesting screenplay, it had slightly cliched dialouge and characters. Also, the exposition was poorly done, with Uhl basically telling Eisenheim's entire life story to the Prince in voice overs done over predictable events. But this is mostly made up for by the brilliant storyline, including the surprizing twist ending.

Directing

3.5/5.0

Burger uses interesting camera angles, shadows, and light to bring life to the actors performance, and suspense into the climactic moments. You will be amazed when you see Eisenheim raise the dead, grow an orange tree in seconds, and even disappear into thin air.

Acting

4.0/5.0

The actors who played young Eisenheim and Sophie were awful. I laughed when she begged him "Make me disappear" and guffawed when they screamed for each other. Their performance was over-the-top and dry, completley cliche, and totally boring.

The others, on the otherhand, were brilliant. Giamatti once again shows what an amazing actor he is, as do Norton, Biel, Sewell, and indeed all the cast. A tremendous performance from all of them, especially Giamatti.

Cinematography/Sound

4.5/5.0

Pope brings life to the screen, showing the true "smoke and mirrors" of magic. The shadows creep across the screen, the smoke covers the stage, and you really believe that you are at a magic show. A stupendous job!

Nothing special or wrong with the sound.

Editing

2.5/5.0

The editing was really nothing special. It wasn't awful, but it wasn't especially excellent. However, the circle wipes were distracing, pointless, and random. A complete blunder by whoever chose to do so.

Overall

72%