How rare to find such a gem of a movie.

Rating: 9/10 (28 August 2006)

Based in Vienna at the turn-of-the century, the Illusionist is based on the story of a magician's love for a woman. Directer Neil Burger succeeds in taking us back to a time when birth was position, freedom of speech was treason, to be a magician was to be supernatural, and love had boundaries. This well edited and flowing story takes us into the mind and world of the individuals at play, as they each work to achieve their ultimate goals. Edward Norton and Paul Giamatti both put in very convincing performances, as the illusionist Eisenheim, and Chief Inspector Uhl respectively. Until now I have not rated Mr. Giamatti as a gifted actor. I was clearly wrong, as he may well have stole the movie, though their performances complemented one another well. Rufus Sewell plays Crown Prince Leopold, with Jessica Biel as Countess Sophie. I found Rufus very convincing in his role as the aristocratic emperor to be, with Ms. Biel being competent as the love interest. Beautiful location, subtle soundtrack and successful chemistry between the main players, make this a successful adult fairytale.