Sure to divide audiences

Rating: 8/10 (24 September 2006)

This is a film that should not be viewed alone. There is much going on in this film that it is bound to start a debate.
I saw this film with my spouse and what was interesting was that even though we both enjoyed the film, we still had a heated debate.
Before I get into that, I must stress the quality and professionalism of this film. Everyone involved proved to be up to the task in this challenging picture. Edward Norton and Phillip Glass are in peek form. The former shows skill, commitment and passion in his role; he is completely believable and often stunning in his performance. The music score in my mind could not have been more perfect. Like the film itself, it is mysterious, hypnotic, modern yet appropriate to the setting of the tale. The music at it's best isn't even noticed, rather heightens the mood and the suspense.
Though my wife and I agreed on all these points, she enjoyed the ending and resolution more than I. I found the weakest part of the film was it's climax: Eisenheim's disappearance from the stage and from Vienna. I believe that an explanation is needed here. An explanation of how Eisenheim is able to fool the entire city and escape completely unnoticed. This is a major plot point that is not clarified; instead, left in the dark along with all the other illusions. My wife disagrees. She argues that it is part of the mystery and a reveal would ruin the suspension of disbelief. In fact, if the filmmakers did explicate the illusions (particularly the phantoms), it would feel cheap and boring. She would have felt she was spoon fed the plot.
I think that in a film, when you build to climax, place your protagonist in peril, you need to explain how the character escapes. When James Bond or other super spies are captured, it would feel silly if the audience are not shown how he gets away. My feeling is, not revealing how he escapes demonstrates lack of creativity.
Oh well. Can't agree on everything.
However, I thoroughly enjoyed this film and would recommend it. It will certainly spark some debate.