A beautiful film, but the emotion seems to have vanished!

Rating: 7/10 (3 September 2006)

I could try to explain this movie about a Viennese magician who woos his childhood sweetheart, while mixing it up with Eurocops, royalty, and a greedy stage manager, but it wouldn't do much good. In fact, I am not sure I get the movie. Edward Norton keeps this film afloat, give a suble, yet raw performance as said magician, and Paul Giamatti is clearly enjoying himself as the Chief Eurocop. The writers of this film also deserve huzzahs, for creating the most head-scratching ending since "The Usual Suspects". And, as expected of a period film, it sure does look pretty.
So what else is great about this film? Not much.
Trust me, I am a fan of period epics, but this one moves along at a snail's pace, expecting you to give your attention while the filmakkers set up the plot for 90 minutes, because, after all, it'll all be worth it in the end....right? A great ending is no excuse for the fact that the rest of the film feels high on its self-importance, and steeped in its own "majesty". There isn't a ton of potential here, so director Neil Burger does what he can with the mediocre script. Eventually, the picture gains suspense and momentum, but like a bad magic trick, it's too little, too late.