OK period piece

Rating: 6/10 (7 January 2007)

Like THE VILLAGE, THE ILLUSIONIST is a romance and not a thriller. Unfortunately, like THE VILLAGE, THE ILLUSIONIST was advertised as a thriller. Edward Norton plays a German woodworker's son in the late 19th century who falls for a beauty of aristocratic birth, portrayed by small screen actress Jessica Beale. They are forced apart but run into each other again years later, when Norton has returned to town as a prestidigitator known as Eisenheim. The remainder of the movie details their attempts to help her escape the clutches of a nefarious prince, played by Rufus "Dark City" Sewell, who senses in Eisenheim a threat to his rule. It is a classic plot, one that has been employed since the days of the Greek Empire. Paul Giamatti plays the stern but secretly compassionate chief inspector of the city. Surprisingly, Eisenheim's magic tricks are subdued and subtle, and the CGI is used sparingly, at least until the big finale. The costuming and sets are first-rate, and the unusual cinematography creates a definite mood. Unfortunately, the twist ending is telegraphed early on, and once more I want to warn you this is a romance, not a thriller. THE ILLUSIONIST plods along a bit, especially after misfortune besets the lovers, and Norton underplays his role to the point of being almost absent. Beale is a natural beauty, but unfortunately not much of an actress. See THE ILLUSIONIST for Sewell, a much undervalued actor, and the jovial Giamatti, who gets the last laugh. Also, the legendary Philip Glass wrote the haunting score.