Illusionist

Rating: 4/10 (7 January 2007)

I thought that the movie must be good because it was made from the producers of "The Crash".
The movie is a love-story about a young carpenter boy who is in love with a duchess, but is separated. He comes back as a reputed magician when the duchess is about to marry a prince - a 'to become' emperor. The director tries to bring in the romance, suspense, love, hate, jealousy, arrogance and ego in divulging the nuances of various characters. I think to a certain extend he succeeds  but to a major part of the film he does not. Most of the actors are over-board in their expressions; especially the main lead Edward Norton  who is as wooden face as one could be. The only interest arises in the film when Rufus Sewell with his negative performance as the prince is on the screen  even though he also is at times overboard in his acting. A little mention is required of Paul Giamatti as Chief Inspector who builds up an interesting character; but again overacts.
Does the magician manage to get his childhood girlfriend back is the question. The director builds up the suspense and in the last 5 minutes discloses it so rapidly that we as audience are left short of fulfillment. The set up of the movie is in the late 19th century  which is well captured. All the magic tricks shown are unusual and only appeals at the moment of seeing it on screen, but does not convince the audience. Knowing that it was not the mandate of the director to show the techniques behind some tricks, but when the suspense is hastily disclosed there are so many questions unanswered  on how did the hero manage to perform such a feat.
Not much more to say.