The conjurer

Rating: 8/10 (28 October 2006)

Early in life, Eisenheim understands how his destiny is going to be tied to magic. Unfortunately for the young man, after falling in love for a rich young girl, Sophie, his powers prove to be a failure when he can't prevent the young woman from being taken away from him. Sophie will always keep the locket with a secret mechanism Eisenheim made for her as a reminder of his love.
For fifteen long years Eisenheim roams the world trying to perfect his craft as a magician. When the time is ripe, he returns to Vienna to look for his long lost love and to dazzle audiences with his amazing tricks. It is at his Vienna appearances that his fame reaches the crown prince Leopold, who wants to see this illusionist. He is accompanied to the performance by Sophie, who is now Leopold's love interest. When Eisenheim asks for a volunteer for one of his magic tricks, it's Sophie who goes to the stage. Eisenheim recognizes his beloved Sophie who still wears the locket around her neck.
Things get complicated when Eisenheim is asked to do a performance for the prince at the palace. The one trick that stuns everyone is when the conjurer asks the prince for his sword, which he makes stand on the stage. He then asks members of the audience to try to lift the sword, which magically remains glued to the ground. Only when he tells Leopold to take the sword back, the sword is released to its rightful owner. That sword will yield a valuable clue to the mystery we are witnessing later on.
Eisenheim made an admirer in Uhl, the chief of police who is impressed by what he sees Eisenheim do on stage. Uhl will be the only man who will understand the secret that Eisenheim keeps in his heart.
This highly enjoyable movie directed by Neil Burger, is based on a short story by Steven Millhauser. The adaptation by Mr. Burger gets a great treatment for the screen. The film is helped by the interesting score of Philip Glass. Mr. Burger has done wonders with the way he envelops the audience with magic as one watches in amazement how Eisenheim performs his thrilling act. Dick Pope photographed the movie in dark tones that reflect the mood of most of the action on the screen. His take on the Czech exteriors strike the right note. Naomi Geraghty must be congratulated for the editing, since it involves the way the viewer perceives the tricks being done by Eisenheim.
Edward Norton gives a wonderful performance as Eisenheim. He is clearly a man with a mission in life and he has returned to his native land to take what he believes is rightfully his. Paul Giamatti's Inspector Uhl has some good moments too. Lovely Jessica Biel is seen as Sophie and Rufus Sewell plays the crown prince Leopold.
"The Illusionist" will not disappoint fans of Edward Norton because the good work of the director, Neil Burger, did in adapting the original material for this highly engrossing picture.