film review of the film

Rating: 7/10 (13 July 2009)

Neil Burger is a magical director whose film plays clever mind tricks on his audiences. "The Illusionist" is brilliantly planned to confuse viewers and leave them feeling like they were a part of the magic shows in the film. The twists and turns in the film keep the movie fresh and audiences interested-- yet the suspense is not that of a horror film-- it is of wanting to know all of Eisenheim's (Edward Norton) secrets. Several times during the film, the audience is brought to a magic show setting, one of wonder and confusion. During these magic shows, secret truths are slowly revealed by the stunts Eisenheim presents. Throughout the film, new secrets are discovered and leave the viewers to ponder that everything is not what it seems.
In Burger's film, a young carpenter's son with low social status, Eisenheim, falls in love with the beautiful Duchess Sophie von Teschen (Jessica Biel), but, naturally, their love is frowned upon by society. Hurt by their forbidden love yet fascinated by the world of magic, Eisenheim travels the world as a clever illusionist. While he is away, Duchess von Teschen falls in love with a man accepted by the early twentieth century society, the Crown Prince. When the Duchess happens to be a participant in one of Eisenheim's shows, the reunion makes them realize their love for one another was never abandoned. Eisenheim uses his clever mind tricks and illusions to save the Duchess from the relationship.
"The Illusionist's" characters make this a must see movie, and they are portrayed brilliantly. Edward Norton brings Eisenheim to life through strong emotion he expresses in his eyes. His strong, but quiet confidence is appealing because it makes the illusions more believable. Initially, Jessica Biel is somewhat dry and takes time to warm up and get into character. When she comes into her own, however, she is breath of fresh air to the dark lighting in the film. Paul Giamatti does a great job at illustrating the frustrating relationship between Eisenheim and his character, the Chief Inspector Uhl. His quest to find answers about the magician is captivating.