Illusionist is a brilliant, dark film

Rating: 8/10 (27 September 2006)

I literally knew zip about this film when I decided I wanted to see it. All I knew was that Edward Norton and Paul Giamatti were starring, and that it was about magicians. And I must note this; I love magic, David Blaine never ceases to make my eyes bug out. Then there's David Copperfield who I saw perform in person. That is what put me over the edge, for awhile I wanted to be a magician. That's why I think this film looked so compelling to me. Though, while there are sequences of magic tricks, you can tell they are just CG. That takes some of the magic of the magic tricks away. Nevertheless, this film is a great period film, with a twist at the end you don't see coming till two minutes before the film ends.
The title basically speaks for itself; "The Illusionist" is about an illusionist. I'm not going to elaborate on the plot, because one such reviewer did, and ruined an integral part for me. I'm not like that, so I'll leave it at that. Edward Norton does a great job as Eisenheim the Illusionist. Though I've noticed he's never really played a character other than the quiet and slightly disturbed ones. Paul Giamatti, who is always brilliant, plays Chief Inspector Uhl who is investigating whether or not Eisenheim is dealing with the supernatural. And, to tell you the truth, Jessica Biel as Eisenheim's forbidden love interest, Sophie, did admirably. I'm glad I got to see this marvelously crafted film because originally it wasn't supposed to come to Saginaw. Fortunate for me, it did.
So, other than a few minor quirks, everything was amazing. The plot was engrossing, the pacing and timing moved well, the cinematography was beautiful and filmed in a slight sepia tone, and the dialogue was well written except for one scene, where I guessing he had writers block.
Overall, this is a magical, dark, and funny film. But after seeing a trailer for another magician film-"The Prestige"- released next month, I'm predicting "The Illusionist" will disappear.
Rated PG-13 for some sexuality and violence.