"Everything You Have Seen Here Has Been An Illusion." --- Eisenheim (Edward Norton)

Rating: 9/10 (14 April 2007)

"The Illusionist" (2006)
Directed By: Neil Burger
Starring: Edward Norton, Paul Giamatti, Jessica Biel, Rufus Sewell, & Eddie Marsan
MPAA Rating: "PG-13" (for some sexuality and violence)
I had heard wonderful things about "The Illusionist" from all of my friends so I was very excited to get the chance to see it. With its great cast, it looked like one of the best movies of the year. But, I'll be honest; I've been so disappointed with many movies this year so I was a little hesitant. I am sick of being disappointed, but that seems to be what most Hollywood films do lately. So, I was very surprised when "The Illusionist" turned out to bewell, a beautiful and great movie that kept me thinking without completely losing me. It is a magical and deeply-involving film that is brought to life with vivid imagination and colorful direction, giving the film a surreal aura of mystery. This is what movies are supposed to be.
Edward Norton stars as Eisenheim, a talented magician who captivates the world with his magnificent illusions that are unlike anything anyone has seen before. When he was younger, he fell deeply in love with Sophie (Jessica Biel), a girl who is far above his social standing. The two were told that they can never be together and, for years, it seemed as though this were trueuntil Sophie happened to attend one of Eisenheim's performances. But, she is engaged to marry Crown Prince Leopoldand it seems as though there love is destined to be forgotten. But, Sophie still harbors much love for Eisenheim and Leopold reveals himself to be a greed-filled, power-hungry man who wants nothing but power. Eisenheim, desperate to be with Sophie, plans his greatest illusion yetone that will shock the entire city and make everyone question what they have seen.
Great performances fill "The Illusionist" with the highlight being, of course, Edward Norton. Norton does not overplay the part and, instead, does the complete opposite. He underplays it, lending to his character's mystery and intrigue. Jessica Biel makes for a beautiful and sympathetic love interest for Eisenheim. She shows that she is a versatile actress who can do more than just beat the crap out of a chainsaw-wielding maniac while wearing a wet, white tank top. Paul Giamatti, fresh off of the disaster that was "Lady in the Water", gives a solid performance here. Rufus Sewell is wonderfully villainous as Crown Prince Leopold. He gives a confident, fulfilling performance that I thought worked very well.
"The Illusionist" is not a perfect film, however. I, personally, thought the plot twist was quite easy to figure out. I've never been one to brag about being able to guess endings to movies, because I don't typically know what is going to happen until it does. But, "The Illusionist" was different. I felt that everything was quite obviously leading up to the big twist. This isn't a horrible thing, but it lessened the "big reveal" for me. But, a predictable twist is hardly the worst thing that could happen to a movie. The remainder of "The Illusionist" more than makes up for it and makes the film a well-told, beautiful, and deeply magical story brought to life with brilliant direction and superb performances. If you haven't seen "The Illusionist", then you are doing yourself a grave disservice. It is a movie that everyone should be watching.
Final Thought: "The Illusionist" is a brilliant film.
Overall Rating: 9/10 (A)