Eisenheim, The Illusionist , Intrigues His Audience

Rating: 10/10 (27 December 2007)

"The Illusionist" is a mystery from the early 1900 time period. The imagery is dark and adds to the mystique. I have seen "The Illusionist" several times and I predict that this movie will become a classic film.
Eisenheim, (Edward Norton), is a turn of the century magician living in Vienna. He is charismatic and his gaze is described as mesmerizing. He is called a charlatan and a tricker. His words are intriguing leaving the audience spellbound, asking for more and demanding answers from his illusions. One night, Crown Prince Leopold, (Rufus Sewell), brings his fiancé Sophie, (Jessica Biel), to the show. Years earlier, Eisenheim and Sophie were childhood friends. It is their secret. She recognizes Eisenheim and contacts the magician later regarding their past. A love scene involving the two reveal their romantic tendency. Sophie then refuses to go away with the Crown Prince and it appears she is murdered. Eisenheim gives up everything and begins a new show leaving the grandeur of the theater behind. Before leaving, a mob outside demanding to know more, leads Eisenheim to confess to his followers. "It is not real. It is impossible to speak with anyone from the other side." Inspector Uhl,(Paul Giamatti), leads an investigation and all evidence points to the Crown Prince. I don't know if I like the ending. It reveals a twist in the plot as if it was all staged and I think the ending may be unrealistic.