Somewhat disappointing

Rating: 4/10 (10 January 2007)

Because of all the hype about this movie, I eagerly looked forward to viewing it. But when I did it, I was disappointed. Why Eisenheim doesn't perform believable magic? By that I mean the kind of magic that is performed by the best of them. He creates virtual reality without the modern gadgets like computer, software, laser etc. Is there any record of such an illusion having been created (without these modern props) anywhere at anytime in the history? The way the character has been depicted, he is no mere illusionist; but someone with supernatural powers. It is difficult for anyone who is not staunchly religious to accept it. Acting by the principal characters is good. I particularly liked the work of Rufus Sewell, as he had to flesh out an underdeveloped, unsympathetic character. Strangely, he manages to imbue it with certain amount of dignity. Ms. Biel looks ravishing.
Police chief, when he gleefully unravels the plot, doesn't even care that he has been responsible for the death of an innocent man. In my view, it is a morally and intellectually ambiguous work.