Quite a performance

Rating: 9/10 (14 January 2008)

And I mean by all four significant leads - Norton (of course), Biel, Sewell and Giamatti. In fact, while channel surfing it was Giamatti's silent realization scene at the bitter end that first drew my attention. Norton plays a stunning magician who appears in 1900's Vienna and becomes focal point for investigation into death and possible murder of evil crown prince's fiancée. Sewell does well in challenging role of prince while Norton is as always fine but perhaps a shade too obscure in lead role. Biel was always a primo looker, she's also an accomplished actress in this one. But I have to say Giamatti as the conflicted investigator steals the show. Musical score and period scenery are great. Docked a point for seeming a little too contrived in how it plays, including the (to me) unnecessary opening sequence.