Fantastic Performances, Imaginative Storyline and Slick Filmaking

Rating: 10/10 (23 August 2006)

What a treat to go to a theater and experience magic. The Illusionist is not a remake, completely original. It's based on a short story that was written by a Pulitzer Prize winning author. The feeling of the movie isn't spooky, its not like a Shyamalan thriller where the music and images intend to shock, although it could have been. Instead the filmmakers let the performances, editing, and strong symbolic and poetic storyline take the audience through the movie. Highly entertaining and imaginative. The time period adds a lot to the picture, as far as the look and feel of the film and the government and belief systems of the people. Beautiful filming with well thought out shots. Edward Norton and Paul Giamatti give great performances. They carry the film well. I also appreciate the performance of Rufus Sewell as the Crown Prince, not a recognizable name, but you'll recognize the face. Go see it, too bad my wife and I had to go to an art house theater. Hopefully it wins an award for best screenplay adaptation and that creates some buzz. I can honestly say, it's one of the best movies I've seen in a long time. I'll definitely buy it.