worthwhile, though it doesn't end as well as it begins

Rating: Null/10 (27 March 2020)

Intriguing story set in late 19th century Vienna centering around four key characters: an awe-inspiring magician, a covetous prince, a befuddled police inspector, and an alluring duchess. Eisenheim is a magician of much acclaim, but Crown Prince Leopold sets out to expose him as a charlatan, especially when he learns that his fiancée (the Duchess von Teschen) is quite taken with the magician. This puts Chief Inspector Uhl in a bind as he's loyal to the empire, but can't help but to be equally fascinated by the works of Eisenheim. A unique blend of magic, romance, and mystery, this begins very strongly, with some terrific scenery and the expected visual effects, it's also well-cast with an especially strong outing from Giamatti as the conflicted policeman, but the story loses its intrigue after a while, and presents an ending that's beyond convenient. **½